Star.
London, England, 1827-03-06 00:00:00

should be done. Some decisive measure must be
adopted, unless they were prepared to witness a rea-
vival of those dreadful and desolating days, even the
remembrance of which every friend to his country must
fervently desire to be toned out. Unless they wished
to see the turmoil and misery of 1798 renewed—unless
their minds were made up to behold the sea covered
with exiles, and the land covered with blood and de-
struction, they should no longer pause nor hesitate, but
at once decide on the course which was to be adopted.
ITwo paths, end but two paths, lay before them—the
one he could hardly bear to allude to, and the other
was 'hat which he ardently hoped and prayed would be
pursued, for it would bring in its train contentment,
grititncle, and concord.
a Hie lons est, partis obi se via (Met in embas,
Demers qua Dais magni sob mows audit :
Hsu iter elysium nobs : at hen maLarans
Elena peva., et ad impla Tartan mittit."
He trusted that the right path would be followed—it
was still open to them, and he could only say, his most
ardent wish was, that every Honourable Gentleman in
the House would lay aside all personal and acrimoni-
ous feelings, so that Charity might exert her full
divine influence, and infuse into their minds an appro-
bation of that plan which would give to the two
kingdoms undivided prosperity, happiness, and love—
(Loud cheering by the Opposition). The Hon. Baronet
then moved the following Resolution:—
" Resolved—That this House is deeply impressed with tb.
' necessity of taking into consideration the disabilities impoeetes
I she Roman Catholics of Great Britain sad Ireland with a view to

their relief."
Load MORPETH, in rising to second the Resolu-
tion, expressed the admiration which he, in common
with the House, felt at the admirable speech of his
Honourable Friend, and rejoiced that such a distin-
geished effort had the effect of removing all responsi-
bility from the individual whose lot it was to second
the Resolution proposed by the Honourable Baronet
who had just sat down. Under such circumstances,
and after the conclusive statements of the Honourable
Mover, be felt it due to the House, no less than to
himself, to make the expression of his own opinion on
this great subject as short as it would be decided. In-
deed, all the topics connected with it had been so
frequently made the subject of forcible and eloquent
illustration, that it would be worse than idle in him
Ito detain the House with any lengthened expression of
his sentiments. His predecessors of former years had
lOW that this, as well as being a measure of honour'
mid justice, was also one which came before the House
sitnmended by the imperious motives of policy and,
liendeuce--(Hear.) It had been said Roman Catholics
most regret disabilities under which they laboured
without any fault of their own, and their exclusion from
isseefits with which Protestants, without any cones-
'Winding merit on their part, were blessed. That such
Aldine ex.sted, the man must be a bold one who would
yenta,' to deny: The Hon. Mover had presented to
the house a strong and feeling picture of the condition
of Ireland, any further details be should leave to those
Honourable Gentlemen, whoseopportunities for observ-
ing were better than his. All they read and heard, enabled
them to come to the conclusion that the whole Roman
Catholic population of Ireland was roused to a man, on
the subject of their disabilities—(Hear.) Certainly, be
agreed with the Honourable Baronet, in stating, that
much had been done for the Roman Catholics, for
which they ought to be thankfu‘ But the House would
remember, that gratitude was seldom full and com-
plete, in cases where the benefit conferred was not also
full and complete.--(Cheers.) This jt was, which, at the
present time, compelled Roman Catholics of all degrees
to nourish a consciousness of their grievances, and a
settled determination not to relazin their efforts till the
grievances were redressed. It was not his intention to
encourage dissatisfaction, but he mnst.say, when the
happiness of millions was at stake, and the peace of the
empire was at issue, much allowance should be made of
the excitement naturally felt by men situated as the
Roman Catholics were. If such were the prospect at
home, with what aspect did the proceedings, now taking
place on the Continent of Europe, meet their view?
What were the feelings thatuniversally prevailed,when,
as lately, we were on the brink of a war, from which,
even now, we .Were,. perhaps, not very far removed?
Should that war commence, and the Roman Catho-
lics display a temper, which under the circumstances
-of the case would not be surprising, how mach
might we not be weakened and distracted, whim
even the apprehension of such an occurrence was
cient, in a time of peace, to augment oar difficulties.'
If, forgetting alike the justice of the case, and the exi-
gencies of the country, we persevered in our present
exclusive system, with what grace could we call on the
Roman Catholics a second time, perhaps, on the plains
of Stlamanca or Badajoz, to shed their blood as a so
dier in the field, in defence of a Constitution which re-
fused to requite him as a citizen at home ?—(Chaers).
After his Return from dangers and triumphs, wasisi Rol
be met with degrading suspicions and disabilities?-..
(Hear, bear!) The present conjuncture of affairs ren-
dered such a coarse doubly criminal; and honest pre-
judices might well yield before the pressure of events.
The Hon. Baronet was entitled to an answer to his
question, whether those who opposed the resolution,
meant to contend that the present state of thing should.
be continued ; and if not, then what system were they`
prepared to substitute in its stead? Till this question re-.
ceived an answer, it was in vain to attack the proceedingt
of the Catholic Priests or people, when their dearest in-
terests were at stake. Perhaps, now that he had the home
of a seat In Parliament, he might hear within its walls
more cogent arguments for the exclusive system than
had been hitherto urged, but all he had as yet heard
on the subject, fell very far short of conviction. True;
the allegations of Papal Supremacy and divided
allegiance, if true, might make it desirable that the.
King should not have Catholic subjects; but, having
them, it was not our policy to alienate, but conciliate
their affections. (Hear.) It had been said, we were
not acting unjustifiably towards our fellow countrymen,
for those were only entitled to equal privileges, who
could afford equal security. Now this was an unmeaning
and cruel taunt. To proclaim that a numerous body
of men—that the Roman Catholic Peers,descended from
an illustrious ancestry—that a large body of high-minded
Gentlemen—that men who had fought the battles of the
country, were not entitled to share the blessings of the
Constitution, because they were not willing to depose
at the table of that House, that the faith of their fathers
was idolatrous! —to proclaim this: because they could
not consent to do that which would sender, and justly
render, then) oar scorn and derision if they did it, was
scandalous in the extreme. It was as wise as to enact,
that the maimed, crippled, and blind, should be dL•
barred from the advantages of the Constitution. It
Iliad been said, we should not lightly remove the bui-
watks of the Protestant Church, but lie was one whu

thought the Protestant Church did not stand in deed of
all those este' nal aids which some might toppole, Let
them leave these bulwarks to those who wanted them
Let the Jesuit and the Apostolic have their bulwarks,
Let the Vatican have its bulwarks, and, if it pleased, Asti
hunders. But while the strength of the Protestant
Church existed in truth, let her means of 'hewing it
continue to be toleration.—(Hear, hear.)—The npp„
nents of this measure admitted, and sympathised with the
distressed condition of their fellow courrtrrnen, but
exclaimed, how little of the distress would Catholic
Emancipation remove. There was no need of such au.
argument. It was admitted, Emancipation would not
produce capital in Ireland, or food for its starving i,
habitants ; but, because it mould not fall like manna id
the wilderness on the unhappy people, Were they to
neglect the countless blessings consequent on itt Adopt
,ion ? Animosity removed, and confidence restored,
were not to be slighted, because these blessings, rut
as they were, fell short of a !millet Miksch% Buth art
gamma recoiled against those who used them. W„*
the narrow prejudices of the Catholic Church? Wa,*
the influence of the Priests that ceased a fear of granting
emancipation ? If so, the best mode of counteracting oil
was, to remove the causes of prejudice and influence, I!,
removing the disabilities which gave rise to deems/Nati
the acrimony and disunion of men's minds that prevented
the boon ? Then, let the House alter that state of things
which gave to such feelings force and popularity—
(Cheers)—which afforded grounds for the agitators, and
wade their hearers think violence allowable. Wa, it
the absence of securities? As if no danger existed in
the hope deferred—no security in grew:ode—(He,.
hear). They had resolved to assist the Catholic POT.
tuguese ; let them first be at peace with Catholic lie.
land. Ere long they might have to oppose Catbolie
Spain; let them first unite to them all classes of their
fellow subjects—(Cheers). The Noble Lord proceeded to
implore, that the House would indulgently attribute the
course he had taken to the warm interest he felt in the
cause—a cause which appealed equally to then, on the
gronndof prudential calculation and generous seutimest,
a cause founded in truth, justice, and- expediency-4
cause sanctioned alike by the principles of Protestant libe.
rality, and the generous dictates of Christian
(Cheers). Astonishing it was, that in an age, which
boasted its increased intelligence, so many Members
could be found in that House capable of denying
themselves the luxury of espousing such a cause. When
they reflected on the benefits that might be expected to
flow from its adoption, and the dangers attendant on its
rejection, he hoped the measure would pass, and that
those Councils which had tended to make England
great, would be henceforward also directed to make
Ireland happy—(Cheers).
Mr. DAWSON said, that before -he proceeded to
give his opinion on the Resolution before the House, he
begged to congratulate the House on the feelings which
had animated the able address it had just heard; and
the accession of talent it bad gained by the presence of
the Noble Lord who had addressed it fur the firsttime4
--(Hear.) Whatever might be the result-of the dio
cession—whether the Resolution proposed should- be
received er rejected, he hoped that it would produce
tranquillity in Ireland. Should the decision o( the
HOuse be favourable to the Roman Catholics, he trusted
that they would receive it with moderation; and, os
the other hand, should it be adverse to their holm,
he also trusted that they would bow to with or
feigned obedience, and learn the conviction, that In
alteration alone in their doctrines could give them-the
privileges they professed to seek after. But whatever
might be the result as to the fate of the Resolusion before
thelioose, he hoped that some decisive measure would be
adopted with respect to the state of Ireland—(Hear).
The time had arrived when the situation of that ccuetry
ought to be seriously taken into consideration. No cue
with a heart in his breast could reflect on the scenes
that were daily occurring there without the most pain.
fat emotion. The Nobility, the Gently, the Metchants,
were bet in too many instances induced to forget their
real duties, and were hurried away by the excessive
violence of' their political feelings. •He therefore vu
strongly of opinion that the period fur full discussion
had arrived, and that the state of Ireland ought to be
probed to the bottom.—(General cheering.) He trusted
that the Legislature would adopt some decisive ntea•
sure. Let it sot be said that it was impossible to calm
the people of Ireland; it was true that they were
fond of change, that they anticipated with delight
any fresh system ; but .of all the people of Europe,
they were the most easily satisfied by a fi m and
decided course—(Hear). It would be his endeavour to
shew that the admission of Roman Catholics to further
power evould be highly injurious to, if not altogether
subversive of, the Constitution; and not to attempt to
answer to the eloquence which had been used. In
the first place he must allude to the Treaty of Lin
merick, as that Treaty had been noticed by the Hon.
Baronet. To go fully into that question would be con-
ceived to be somewhat foreign to the subject before the
House; but he could not help remarking, that that
Treaty had reference to freedom of religi us worship.
and not to eligibility to civil offices—(Hear). He had
thought it right to say so much upon the subject, lest it
should be imagined he assented to the construction put
on that Treaty by the Hon. Baronet. With respect
also to the statement which had been made respecvoe
the Oath of Allegiance, there was in that also great
error. If that proposed by the third of Williamwas
demanded, no Roman Catholic could exercise hit te•
ligion ; but it was not the oath proposed by the .•
that was in force, but that proposed by the first wit,
was required. He had thought -it necessary to set the
House right upon that point, and having done Or •
would at once proceed to a consideration of the atgu-
ments which had been used in support of the Resolution.
Without wishing to undervalue the arguments of the
Hon. Baronet, and the state:hems he had made re.
specting the condition of Ireland, he must confess that
it had surprised him to hear any Hon. Member in that,
House arguing that the Roman Catholics welt nothing'
better than exiles. Why, what was the real state et
the Roman Catholics of. Ireland? They possessed
every privilege which was essential to the enjoy melt
of happiness. They were excluded only from Pailiameet
and those offices in the State which the Constitution of
the country had wisely shut them out front. The Gentry
sat as grand jurors ; they had a full exercise of speech and
action; they possessed the elective franchise ; and pot•
sensed and enjoyed their religion undisturbed—(Hear,
hear, hear.) Their leaders, however, would fain have
the House believe that because they were ex :hided foie
Parliament and some high- offices of State, the
of them had formed into one phalanx to demand
they termed their rights. That a union was I
was most true—(Llears hear, triim the Opposition,
but nothing could be more fallaci As than to in,ag,
shat such union was farmed in con.equeute LI

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