Star.
London, England, 1825-03-14 00:00:00

be tai sanguine, bat that-is my opinioh. We can never,
he too grateful to -Sir F. Burdett for the manner in
which he introduced the measure, and for the unwea-
ried exertibns he has made, and is making, in our cause.
Mr. Plunkett, also, I am bound to say, and I say it wil-
lingly, Mr. Plunkett has shown himielf most hearty,
sincere, and indefatigable in this business. I can-
not be-deceived on this. point—l can pled4t myself to
the people of Ireland that Mr. Plunkett Is doing all
that man can do, and more than perhaps any other Man
but himself could do, to carry this BiU.
Fourthly—l have further the great gratification to
state, that it has been permitted -me to draw the rough
draft of this Bill, in which I am engaged, and hope to
have it ready on Wednesday next.
Fifthly—That this Bill, if it shall, as I do firmly
expect, pass into a law, will put Catholics and Pro-
testants on a level as to Civil rights—excepting the sue-
cesion of the Throne in the present Protestant family,
which no person amongst us ever desired to see altered.
and in which, as at present limited, we heartily con-
cur—and except the offices of Lord Chancellor of Eng-
land and Ireland.
Sixthly—There is nothing sought for or desired in!
the way of security, inconsistent with the doctrine or
discipline of our Church. This part of the business is
taken up in a: way full of kindness and good sense. It
is felt that, to give an Emancipation Bill, which, in-
stead of conciliating, would increase irritation and jea-
lousy, would be mere folly—and, therefore, the secu-
rities sought for are sought in their proper place—
'namely, the affectionate gratitude of the Irish people—
and in such an arrangement as will make the nomi-
nation of our Prelates essentially domestic and national,
without trenching upoli the Canonical rights of the Ca •
tholic Church. T:.• allegiance of our Dignitaries, which
was never doubted, will thus be placed within the view
of the law, but nothing at all of Veto, or Vetoistical ar-
rangement, is sought for or desired. Those aho are
supporting the Bill at both sides of the House are com-
bined in putting it forward in the most cordial and sa-
tisfactory way. In short, our Emancipation, if thus
obtained, will be just what all liberal Protestants as
well as ourselves have desit ed—namely, otSCONDITIONAL
EMANCIPATION.
Seventhly—lt is proposed to make a provision, by
the Bill, for the Catholic Clergy—such a provision as
would give them the means of doing acts of charity, in-
stead of being almost under the necessity of obtaining it.
But it is not intended, by such provision, to alter or
affect the existing jurisdiction of the Catholic Prelates
in Ireland ; ',either is there any new oath required, nor
anything but what the most conscientious Catholic can
desire. In short, it use are i.ow emancipated, we shall
be so in the true spirit of British generosity, and in a
way to make every Catholic in Ireland pour out bless-
ings upon his Protestant fellow-subjects. I do, indeed,
think, that rew era is arriving fast, when religious
dissensions will cease with religious disabilities.
Eighthly—lt his been suggested for some time past,
by many Members pf Parliament connected s.ith the
Government, that.the elective franchise, in counties, bat
not in cities, shofild be raised from 40s. to 51. or 101.
It is not to he raised in cities,because in cities the Corpo-
rations cart make = oor freemen; and there iie the
counteracting qualification will be lett low ; be-ides in
cities there are none of those overwhelming large landed
proprietors who can make a host of poor freeholders,
and traffic upon them as if they were actual slaves.
The quantity of perjury and crime produced in vitiates
by the present system is enormous; and the prepon-
derating influence which the 40s. freeholders give to
great landholders over the resident intellect and honesty
of a county, is quite frightful. For my own part, I
really think that raising the qualification to 51. or even
to -101. would add to the Catholic influence in Ireland ;
but, howevgr that may be, it is not necessary to be in
any haste to form an opinion on this subject, as before
any measure of this kind is adopted, full time will be
given for deliberation, and for consulting the sound sense
of the Irish people.'
Ninthly—lt is intended to give the Emancipation
Bill a first reading in about a week, and then to have it
printed for circulation imEngland and Ireland ; and we
shall have full time to deliberate on it in all its clauses.
The second reading will be after Easter. I wish I did
possess any influence in the Catholic Association—l wish
I deserved the confidence of my beloved countrymen—
if I did I would use it just to this extent—to implore
that neither the Association, collectively, nor, if pos-
sible, any individual belonging to it, would give any
opinion upon the change of the elective franchise, until
the Bill was printed, or until my arrival amongst you.
Indeed, I mean to carry with me the printed Bill after
its first reading. I know something, I think, of human
nature, and if Icon judge from symptoms of the times,
Emancipation is certainly at hand.
I have made a great sacrifice in coming here—that
sacrifice continues ; I wish it were ten times as great. I
do not boast of it; but I have been amply recompensed
in the strong belief that. the Deputation has done good.
The Gentlemen who compose it, and especially our Chai-
rman, Lord Killeen, deserve, I think eternal gratitude.
There is one other most cheering circumstance. I
perceive a kind and generous feeling amongst the Irish
Members who hitherto opposed us violently. Believe
me that they are worthier and better men than our
passions allowed us to think. I see the beginning of
better days—of mutual oblivion of the past—of mutual
affection, and real and permanent conciliation for the fu-
ture—l hope I may say—
" Erin, Oh, Erin! thy winter Is past,
And the hope that lived through It
Shan blossom at last."
have the honour to be, Sir, your most faithful Servant,
DANIEL O'CONNELL.

ITALIAN OPERA.—The Haymarket Theatre, on Sa-
turday night, was fashionably attended. The boxes
particularly, were graced with persons of distinction,
who seemed much gratified with the performances,
which throughout were excellent. The amusing Opera
11 Barbiere di Sevidia, was exceedingly well cast.—
I Madame Victims performed Rosino ivith- great viva-
city, but the principal novelty was Reseoutit, who per-
sonated Figaro, the first time. He has a fine bass voice,
and was much applauded, as were also, DE BEGNIS in
Baitholo, and Porto in Bastio, The singing was excel-'
lent. A new Divertiseaseit followed, entitled La Co-
quette Sournise. It is partly mythological and partly
amatory. The story is simple, and it is one of t .ose
light and airy pieces which, supported as it was with the
Admirable dancing of Vista's, La BLOND, Mademoi-
sellecAmazil and Madame VESTRIS, is sure to please.
Robert Ste?hensson, one of the Preventive Service
men, stationed at Berwick, his been lodged inDurbatts
gaol, on a verdict of wilful murder found against him
'tor shooting James Beveridge, near nee,lmoutb.