Star.
London, England, 1813-02-20 00:00:00

ROMAN CATHOLICS.

The Bishop of DURHAM presented a Petition
from the Dean and Chapter, and Archdeacons and
Clergy of the Diocese of Durham, against the Ro-
man Catholic Claims.—Ordered to lie on the table.
Lord KENYON moved for a return of those Ca-
tholics who had, within the last ten years, taken the
oaths and subscribed the declaration required by an
Act of 31 Geo. 3. c. 32. In moving for this return
he was not disposed to suspect the assertion of those
who had declared that the Roman Catholics had
taken these oaths, and on that account were entitled
to further indulgences, nor was he induced to suspect
the loyalty of the Roman Catholics, than whom, in
his opinion, no class of men in this country were
more loyal. But the assertion he alluded to having
been made, and as it was assumed to be a ground of
increased favours, he thought it his duty, on such a
grave and solemn subject, to make this motion for
the purpose of ascertaining the extent of that fact.
Lord HOLLAND suggested the propriety of also
including in the motion the return of such Catholics
in Ireland, according to the 33d Geo. 111.
Lord KENYON said, there could be no objection
to the return proposed by the Noble Lord, but it
would be better accomplished by a separate motion.
The Earl of RADNOR observed, that the return
might bebbtained from the Council, where a return
of their persons was made annually.
Lord KENYON remarked, that return would not
include those who had made such oath and declara-
tion, since the period of the last return delivered to
the Council.

The Earl of RADNOR thought it was the more
desirable on that account, as many might have lately
complied with the directions of the Statute, for the
purpose of forwarding their claims.

Lord HOLLAND considered this motion not
applicable to the precise object intended to be ob-
tained ; because it would not distinguish those who
bad acted cn this subject voluntarily, and in some
sense unnecessarily, from those who had complied
with the Statute, necessarily 'from holding offices
which required them to do so.
Lord REDESDALE was induced to think, that
in respect to those who took the oath the first and
second years after the Act, it might extend to a
number of persons who expressed their sentiments on
that occasion. But in regard to later years, he be-
lieved, generally, that few had thought it necessary
to subscribe such declaration, who were required to
do so, on account of their offices. _

The motion was agreed to.
INSOLVENT DEBTORS.

Lord HOLLAND presented a Petition from the
Debtors confined in Carlisle Gaol, and also a Peti-
tion from the Debtors confined in the Fleet, praying
for such relief as to their Lordships should appear
most expedient.—Ordered to lie on the table.
The Earl of MOIRA said, that a Petition had
been transmitted to him, for the purpose of his pre-
senting it to their Lordships' consideration, but on
account of an informality, it would have been neces-
sary t• have sent it back for revisal ; however, he
saw no necessity for this proceeding, as the relief
prayed for, he had no doubt, would be extended to
the Petitioners by the Bill which stood for commit-
ment this day, and on which their Lordships' deci-
sion would, he was persuaded, be satisfactory.
Upon the Order of the Day being read, the House
resolved itself into a Committee on the Insolvent
Debtors' Relief Bill,

Lord REDESDALE said, this was precisely the
same Bill which passed their Lordships' House last
Session, and he had no intention to propose any al-
teration, excepting a few verbal amendments.
The Bill, after receiving the few verbal amend-
ments mentioned, passed through the Committee,
and was ordered to be reported on Monday.
Adjourned till Monday.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The Starch Bill went through a Conaaktee; the Report was
ordered to be received on Monday.
The second reading of the Cornish Miners Bill was postponed
to Monday. _

'The Revenue Prisoners Bill was committed. Report on
Monday.
The second reading of the Irish School Bill was postponed to
Monday.

Lord CASTLEREAGH brought up a Bill to Repeal certain
parts of the Act which gave to Magistrates the power of settling
the Rate of Journeymen's wages. Read a firer time, and or-
dered to be read a second dine on Wednesday next.
Sir CHARLES BURRELL, after adverting to the disadvan-
tageous manner in which investments were now made by the
Accountant-General, by order of the Court of Chancery, signi-
fied his intention, at i future period, of ealliog the atteation4
the Howe awe pordoolorly to ibis subject.


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VLIECTIOn
Mr. P. CAREW reported to the House, that)
the Committee appointed to inquire into the merits
of the Colchester Petition, had met for that purpose,
and after due deliberation, had come to a resolution
that the sitting Members were duly elected, and that
the Petition was not frivolous or vexatious.

Mr. BLACKMAN, Chairman of the Shaftsbury
Election Committee, also reported that the Committee
after due inquiry, had come to a resolution that the
sitting Members were not duly elected, and ought
not to have been returned ; and that the rejected can-
didates ought to have been returned, and were duly
elected.

Lard G. BERESFORD reported from the Has-
lemere Election Committee, that they had that
morning received a letter from Mr. Maitland, one
of the Members ballotted, stating his inability to at-
tend his place from the effect of a severe cold ; in
consequence of which the Committee had adjourned.
Mr. Armstrong, a medical gentleman, was then
called in and :morn. His testimony went to confirm
the statement of Mr. Maitland in his letter, and, on
the motion of Lord G. &REWORD, leave was given
to adjourn the Committee to Tuesday next.

EAST-INDIA CHARTER.

Mr. WILBERFORCE presented a Petitinn from
the President of the Society established by charter in
Scotland, for the propagation of the Christian Reli-
gion, praying, that in case of a new Charter being
granted to the East-India Company, arrangements
might be made for facilitating their objects. Ordered
to lie on the table.

Lord G. L. GOWER presented a petition from
the inhabitants of the town of Walsall, against the
monopoly of the East-India Company.