The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-02-11 00:00:00

Catholic! Barrister to state on oath, " I profess the Catholic reli-
gion." No objection could be made to the motion, because if any
person acquainted with the Barristers, were asked how many of
them were I :atholies, it could be ascertained in a week.
Sir. F. isiiittiEl"r observed that several Members seemed to
think that this would be a sort of inquisition set up to know what
sort of religion certain individuals professed ; and that they would
dislike giving an answer. But he thought nothing would be mere
gratifying to them than such an inquiry. And nothing was more
easy to procure than such information. He hoped, therefore, the
House would not object to getting it, because, though easily ob-
tained, it was very necessary to hare it.
Mr. PEEL acquiesced, and agreed to the motion, which was
passed.
Mr. Ilfilll,lll'llN said, it might be as well to add--" And
tboae who have patents of precedence."
Mr. V. FITZ( EliAlA) replied, that no such patents existed,
with the exception of two.
The proposal was withdrawn.
RELATIONS WITH SPAIN.

Lord NI ENT moved for I COpy Of the correspondence between
the British Government and the late Government of Spain ; and
of all the Instructions issued b• the British Government to Sir
William A'Court. The Noble Lord said, he moved for these
papers in the absence of the Foreign secretary, but that he had
intimated to him his intention so to do.

A le•etage was received from the lards requiring a report rela-
tive to the State of the Poor of Ireland.
111).\ NELIANG OF 317 MS.

Mr. WESTERN rose to complain of what he considered a want
of courtesy net the part of the Right lion. Gent.opposite(Mr.
('eel), with regard to the bill which he was about to introduce re-
lative to the =panelling of juries, as from what he (Mr. Wes-
tern) understood of it, it yea almost a transcript of that which he
intended to bring forward to-morrow night, and which the Right
lion. Secretary had so strenuously opposed last session, and he
therefore was very much surprised to find that the Right lion.
Gem. had, during the interval of the session, taken up the subject
on the very same ground with him (Mr. Western).
Mr. PEEL was quite astonished at the charge of plagiarism
brought against him by the lion. Member for Essex ; but lie could
assure him there was very little connexion between the bill brought
thrward by him (Mr. % estem), and that which he should shortly
inure the honour to propose to the House ; hut the fact was, he had
looked into the subject, and had found that there were 411 or 50
statutes touching the iinpanelling• of juries, and he did not think
thut he was travelling out of his line as Secretary of State for the
I lonie liepartinent, in investigating the matter (hear, hear), and
he hail moreover persuaded a gentleman of acknowledged talent
and experience, to turn his sapid= to the subject, and he certain-
ly was now prepared with a bill for the coneolidation of these sta-
tutes. But his hill was quite distinct front that of the lion. Mem-
ber's, as in his (Mr. Western's) bill, red a word was said about
these numerous and conflicting laws. lie had, however, purposely
postponed the introduction of his view of the question, that he
might not deprive the lion. Member for Essex of any credit that
might attach to his, although, whatever might be the result of the
lion. Member's motion, he certainly should persevere in the mea-
sure he had &dunks'.
Mr. I I l:31 1: hoped that the iiight I lonourahle Secretary meant
to extend the operation of his bill to the striking of Specal Jo-
ries.

Mr. PEEL—Certainly.
REPEAL OF THE USURY LAWS.

_____ . .........
Mr. Sergeant ONSIA/W having been called on by the Speaker,
stated that he should trespass very little on the patience of the
House in introducing the auction of which he hail given notice.
At former periods, when he had brought forward the subject, and
argued for the policy of repealing the I 'sury Laws. he VIM answer-
ed, that the time was unfavourable for the consideration of such a
matter ; he thought, however, that Bach art objection would not
now be urged, as he could not conceive that a title? period ever
would arrive for the repeal of these laws. Ile would not occupy
the time of the house any longer. but conclude by moving for
leave to bring in a bill to repeal the laws regulating and restraining
the interest of money.
The motion having been seconded, leave was given.
Mr. 'SKISSON moved for a return of all Exchequer Bills
issued between the Soh of January, 11123, and the sth January,
11;24, and for an estimate of the sum required to pay Exchequer
Bills to be issued for the year 11124.
The motion wait agreed to, and the returns brought up, laid on
the table, and, . _ . ......... .....

)n the mutton of the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER,
ordered to be printed.
The House adjourned.