Star.
London, England, 1828-12-26 00:00:00

cure the letter? We call epos Mr. O'Cottunt to on.'
plain. For surely no Minister of Religion would pros-
titute his,,sacerdwal functions for political purposes—no
Clergynian would arsenic this pions fraud ern tt
sinner's conscience—no Popibb Priest would grouiscluz,
act of such iniquitous treachery upon the information
that he extracted in confession.
But the Rev. M'. BURISI is Culled on by the public.
voice to pronounce his own innocence. U a servant of
Mr. &warn's, during his attendance on his Priest, enu-
merates his misdemeanours and his sins, it is very im-
probable that be would recoont among his transgres-
sions the reading of a letter of his master's. This
would appear to him so frivolous, that he would consider
its mention derogatory to the dignity of the •Priebt's
office. But if, as in duty bound, the Reverend Priest
would conceive himself called on to wipe away the

least taint of guilt, in kindness he might question the
wretched dupe whether his Popish ears or eyes were ever
disordered by heretical sounds or visions. The shade of
Lord NORBURY immediately passes before his be* ildered
sight. He remembers the letter—repeats its contents—
and asks forgiveness: but forgiveness can only be protured
by an act which could destroy the mischief that such a
I document might effect. This would involve the servant
is a double crime—treachery and theft. And that such
an accumulation of wickedness c uld be placed upon
his soul, even by a Popish Priest, we can scarceli
credit. But how was the letter procured ?—Answer,
the Rev. Mr. &tam—Answer. DANIEL O'Conam.,
Esq. M.P.
But if the supposition be true, that by the Priests?'
-influence in confession this letter was stolen (a supposi-
tion that we unwillingly make until further information)
1,
should such in act speak to Prete tact England?
We may disregard the influence of Popery, because
being so far removed from the scene where it exults in
wickedness, we see not -the mischief nor dread the
danger. The argument of expediency that weighs with
many, as regards emancipation, is an argument of
cowards or of fools. They fear rebellion in Ireland
or they see no cause to fear. But though the tee.l
tors of rebellion in Ireland are frightful—the terrors
of Popish influence in the conduct of our political affairs
are more frig) tful. If the efforts of Roman Catholics
'are exerted now, not only for the possession of political
power, but avostedly to rear into authority the Mien
glories of th. ir Church, will the influence that a Priest
exerts in confession fade away, whea the exercise of
it will mote speedily consummate his object ? If men Of
talent of the Roman Catholic Creed can stand near the
' Throne,and win to themselves the dignities and offices ol
the State, will the tuperstitions of Popery—will the love
of exclusive privileges—will the intolerent Spirit of bi-
got' y lose their sway ? will the principle which excludes
the Duke of NORPOLIC from the House of Lords, not in-1
fluence him, it Emancipation passes, when he takes his
seat among his Noble brotherhood? And if he be sin-
cere in his creed, how will his sincerity die when he
can vote—and when be can vote, he may be in power,
and if he be in power, the Popish Priest still lives with
confession, to rob the heart of its secret treasures, and
with abs•slution to murder conscience.
It may be declared that the lofty mind of a Peer
could not stoop to such degradation, or that the march
of mind, that now so miraculously presses forward in-
banishing folly'and superstition from the-bears, would
prevent the occurrence of any danger- from the influence
of the Priesthood. But a woman can be a Priest's

prey, or a servant may be his dope. And who can say
that fools would not reveal secrets or pilfer documents?
Who can say that servants would not steal. letters ? If
a foreign Power, a Popish one, and at war with Eng-
land, needed private information, does it require in-
genuity to learn how it might be procured?

A Itimburgh Mail. with Papers to the 20th intt.
sullied this morning. The only intelligence they bring
is relative to the prices of Grain:
HAMBURGH, Dec. le.
BUM= HALL, Foos o'Caocx.--Businees has during the last week
been exceedingly brisk in the article of wheat, and though the
arrivals have been considerable, they Dave nevertheless for the
greater part met with ready sale. The itogilsh Mail yesterday
having brought intelligence of a decided improvement in the Loodoe
market, led to a rise of from 10 to 1S Rik here. There are still
many parcels unsold, but the owners ate holding out for high
prices. Of lowland wheat also, several parcels have been taken
for expoetadon, but on account of our own consumers there have
been but few perchasesroade.
Rye is firm; some was bought for exportadoe, and a few pur-
chases were made by our own consumers.
Of barley much remains unsold. The sales or Upland made In
the beginning of the week for exportation have been replaced by
fresh arrivals; but the prices demanded by the holders continue
tee high, in the opinion of the buyers. Lanier samples are of
heavy sale.
In oats there ha, been but little doing; surly fat heavy aomples
can purchasers be found, and such samples are seldom seen In the
market. Inferior qualities, of which there is an abundant supply,
have found gutchasers among our own sonsumers, but at reduced
prices.
In rapeseed little doing, and the late arrivals nee of ready sale.
From the Ist to the latikpeeember inclusive 41 cargoes of corps
passed through the Sound; of these 40 were booed to British, one
to French, one to Bremen, -sod the rest to Danish and Swedish
ports.

ITS. LI.
Dant zit Wbeat . 124 to 130 . 125 to 210
Penunerenian . 123 152 . 170 190
,Ashalt (white) • 148 12$ • UM NO -
Ditto (red) • ;NOS 1211 • /SS SOCI
Danish "611 130 . 130 ISO -
Dantzic Rye . 114 122 . 90 98
Ilariebutgla Barley 100 109 . 70 25
Aniasit . SOO 108 . 88 el
Upland Oata . 52 SO • 4$ 56
llohttin Rapeseed . 102 170
The demand of funds for the liquidation of December led to
dry to an improvement In price, particularly in Austrian Metal.
liques, which were done phigla as 96g. Discount, Two per Cent.
End of December.

Last Tuesday. Today.

Anglo Danish Loan, 5 per Cent. 608 608
Anglo Russian Loan . 91* 91*
Harnburgh Ruseiarl Loan . 831 85;
Anglo Prussian Loan of 1818 . 98* go
Ansalin Bank Slurb. • 1,103 1,104
Angelo liwlUq NS• , os
gasibrii‘ affogie.Daa io..