Star.
London, England, 1821-04-04 00:00:00

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDLVGS.

HOUSE OF LORDS, APRIL Z.
Mr. Jounsosi, from the Office of the Irish Treasury, pre-ented
certain Accounts, pursuant to the Order of the Douse.
Sir JOHN NEWPORT, attended by forty or fifty Members of the
House of Commons, brought up the Bill for removing certain
Disabilities fronr the Roman Catholics.

Mr. Mutsu, from the Commissioners of the Holyhead Roads,
presented an Account of the Improvements made between
Shrewsburry and Bangor-ferry.
Lord KENYON presented a Petition from Sudbury against
the Roman Catholic Claims. His Lordship said he fully coin-
cided in the sentiments of the Petitioners.

Lord ERSKINE presented two Petitions from Owners and
Occupiers of Land in the neighbourhood of Horsham and Arun-
del, praying relief from Agricultural Distress.
The Bishop of LONDON presented a Petition from the
Clergy of the Archdeaconry of Hereford against the Roman
Catholic Claims.

The Irish Witchcraft Bill was read a third time and passed.
ROMAN CATHOLICS.

The Earl of DONOUGHMORE said he rose to
call the attention of their Lordships to a Bill which
had just been brought up from the other House of
Parliament, for the relief of his Majesty's. Roman
Catholic subjects, and also to move that it be read a
first time. Connected as he was with numbers of
Roman Catholics, and anxious as he was to relieve
them from the degrading disabilities under which
they laboured, he hailed the arrival of a measure (...f
justice and of mercy like this, which had received
the sanction of the other House of Parliament; and
he should not think that he bad done his duty, if he
were not to advocate the cause of the Roman Catlxi-
'
i Tics on this, as well as on former occasions ; and
from the Communications which he had lately had
with •persons in high situations, he had the be,t
grounded hopes for believing, that in the progress of
the measure, such Amendments would be made in
it, as would remove all the objections that had been
urged against the Bill, without altering one iota of
the securities. 'From the late communications he had
had with several persons, he was persuaded that this
measure might also be so modified as to do away
every objection which the Roman Catholics them-
selves might entertain against it ; and give perfe:t
security at the same time to the Protestants. It was
under these circumstances that he advocated the pre-
sent Bill, and should move, that it be read a second
time on Tuesday next. He should also move, that
the Bill be printed, in order that their Lordship;
might have au opportunity of fully considering it,
previous so the second reading. •
The Earl of LIVERPOOL said, he did not rise for
the purpose of makiag any opposition to the Bill
being read a first time. Comia'L.,,, as it did, from the
other House of Parliament, after having received the
sanction of that House, it was tit that it should re•
ceive the moseserious consideration ; and, whatever
the issue of it might be, he hoped the measure would
undergo the most temperate discussion in that House
—(Hear, hear).—lt would be indecorous in him at.
this time to enter into any observations on the prin-
ciple of this measure. But as he had formerly taken
an active part in this question, he thought it neces-
sary, even in this stage, to declare, that when a pro-
position was made for reading the Bill a second time,
he should object to it—(Hear, I.car).—The Bill, as it
now stood, consisted of two parts. The first had for
. _

its object the removal of certain disabilities, of which
the Roman Catholics complained; the second part
went to establish certain regulations with respect to
the Roman Catholic Clergy. To ooth these he ob-
jected. He should never consent to grant to the
Roman Catholics those privileges which the Bill pro.
posed to give them ; but if they were to be granted,
and that he could bring himself to consent to such
grant, he would not-annet to any of these, conditions
that which must take away from the grace and favour
of the concession proposed to be made. He should not
say anything more upon the subject at present, but
reserve himself for the second reading of the Bill.
The Earl of DONOUGHMORE felt himself bound
ito make some reply to what had fallen from the
'Noble Earl, in regard to securities. This was a poiss
on which he felt in the same manner as the Noble

Earl ; although he was sorry the Noble Earl did not
agree with hoti as w the task part of the Bill. For

,

.

his twin parti,he wantedmo.additional securities from
the RomanCitholics for if he entertained any doubts
of their loyalty as good subjects, he should not con-
sent to grant them any privileges. But he saw that
the Protestants still entertained apprehensions on the
subject, 'although they in a great degree had over-
come their prejudices. Yet, as apprehensions and
prejudices did still exist, he conceived that the Ro-
man Catholics ought to make some sacrifices to those
apprehensions, and even to the prejudices of their
Protestant L.:How-subjects.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said, that interesting
as this subject was, he should not at present take up
the time of their Lordships, by entering into any dis-
cussion upon it. But having carefully read over this
Bill, in which he found that it imposed certa,n con-
ditions with respect to persons holding the office
which he then had the honour to fill, it became a
question with him, whether he should consent to such
an alteration as was now proposed to be made in the
Church and State by this measure. Their Lordships
must recollect the part he had already taken in the
discussions that took place in that House on the sub-
ject of granting further privileges to Roman Catho-
lics ; and, great as was the respect which he owed tie
the deliberations and decisions of the other House of
Parliament, .he had no difficulty in saying, that his
opinions were not altered in the slightest degree, not-
svitlistanding the passing of this measure in the other
House. He still entertained the opinion, that the
granting of the proposed privileges would be incon-
sistent ssith the great interests of the country ; and,
therefore, he could never consent to suca a Bill. He
must also say, that it would be impossible to graft,
any modifications on the Bill, that could induce him
to agree to it.
The Bill was then read a first time, and ordered to
be read a second time on Tuesday, the 10th instant;
on which day the Lords were ordered to be sum-
a:none:l.—Adjourned.
}must,. OF COMMONS.
As men as the Stew Kea took the Chair,
Dlr. ELLIS rose to correct a rnistatement which had ap-
peared in some of the Public Papers, respecting what had fallen
tram him the night before in the course of debate. Ile was
aware that the mistake was quite unintentional, for he was quite
satisfied with the general accuracy, impartiality, and ability,
with which the reports of the proceedings were usually sent
Earth. What he was represented in the Papers—by mistake he
was quite sure—to have said respecting a Gentleman (Mr.
('Connell) who took an active part in Catholic proceedings in
Ireland, was, that he was " a mushroom orator." Now, he had
said no such thing. What he said was this, in allusion to the
Catholic aristocracy of Ireland, that as to the antiquity of that
Gentkman's family pretensions, respectable as they were, when
compared with that aristocracy, they were of the mushroom ce-
lebrity of a day. Ile made the allusion, net for the purpose of
reflecting on that Gentleman's family pretensions, which he re-
peated were respectable, but merely comparatively as to their
relation to the aristocracy. He was the more anxious to have
the mistake corrected, as nothing could be further from his in-
tentions than to hurt the feelings of any man under the privileges
of Parliament. The allusion, in the way in which it was pub-
lished, was quite undeseried by the active Gentleman in ques-
tion, and as certainly unintended by hint (Mr. Ellis).
SPE.IKER asked if the lion. Gentleman had any mo-
tion to make?
Mr. ELLIS said, he was merely anxious to correct the mis-
representation.
Mr. ASTLEY presented a Petition from the Woollen Ma-
nufacturers of the County of Wilts, praying for a repeal of the
Duty on Fareign Wool ; and another from the Town of Leeds, to
the same effect.—Both were ordered to lie on the table.
BLACKFRIA RS-BRIDGE.
Mr. Alderman WOOD moved the second reading of the
Blackfriars Bridge Repair Bill.
Mr. 11. SUMS TER opposed the Bill, on the ground that it re-
nuked an additional loan from the Orphans Fund, a former one
fur the same purpose not being properly disposed of.
Mr. Alderman WOOD said, that the toll of the Bridge was
originally abandoned for the convenience of the inhabitants of
Surrey ; and if the lion. Gentleman opposed this Bill success-
fully, the Bridge must necessarily remain without repair.
After a few words from Mr. T. Wiasox and Alderman
Bamoas,
Sir J. GRAHAM moved, that the Bill be read a second
time that day three months.
The House divided, and the numbers were—
For the Bill - - I!
Against it - - . - 19
The STEAKEIL gave a casting vote against the Bill.
TtIOLIC BILL.-
Sir J. NEWPORT ruse and expressed his grateful acknow-
lleagments to the House for, the kindness which they had ex-
tended to him in the performance of the duty which had de-
volved upon him by some unhappy circumstances, with reference
to the Catholic Bill. Fle alluded in terms of strong praise to
the temperate and impartial manner in which the discussion had
been carried on, and said, that he was entitled, by the expe-
rience of forty years, to state, that a greater benefit was never
extended by any legislative body upon any People than the Bill
now on their table for Catholic relief—(Loud cheers).
The Right lion. Baronet then took the Bill and proceeded to
the House of Lords, followed by a great body of Members.
AGRICULTURAL PETITIONS.
A Petition was laid on the table from the Agriculturists of
the Hundred of Highwortb, in the County of Wilts, for the
repeal of the War Malt Tex.—Ordered to be printed.
Mr. CARTWRIGHT presented a Petition from the several
Occupiers of Land in the County of Northampton, for the re-
peal of the additional Malt Tax. He observed, that be entirely
differed from the sentiments of the Petitioners but did not
think himself justified in refusing to present their 'Petition.--•
Lad on the table.
• 'l'he Irish Lunatic Asylum Bill was read the second time.
Lord A LTHORPE presented three Petitions, the one frost
Occupiers of Land of Itetford and Worksop, the other from
Doncaster, end a thiaal from the County of Northampton,
against the Atilt Tits. The Noble Lord said, he agreed in the
prayer of the Petitions. lie thought it would be most ungra-
cious if the blouse threw out this, the first measure proposed
fur the relief of the Agricultural Interest. He knew that after
the notice given by the Noble Lord opposite (Lord Castlereagh),
he meant to use his utmost efforts to defeat this Bill; the sup;.
porters of it would, therefore, find great difficulties to surmount
in the progress of the measure. Ile called upon the Country
Gentletnen to support this MIL 1k knew that they must be
alataned at the hint given by Ministers of their intention to re-
sign if the repeal of the Malt Duties were carried. He reminded
These Gentlemen that they need feel no alarm of that kind, as
they must already have had ample experience of the disinclina-
tion, under almost any circumstances, of the present Ministers
to relinquish office.—The Petitions were laid on the table.
Mr. I. VSHE PA LDI ER presented a Petition from forty-
Pte Owners and Occupiers of very large tracks of Land, near
riggleswade, in Bedfordshire, who complained that they could
not possibly cultivate their land under the pressure of the pre-
sent Duties upon them. They dented that there remained such
a surplus of a superabundant crop as was stated, and asked
what was to become of the peasantry If they (the Owners of
• the Land) were obliged to relinquish its cultivation?—The Peti-
tion was laid on the table.
Mr. LA JIB presented a Petition from tie Agriculturists near
Royston, to the same effect. —Laid on the table.
A. Petition was laid on the table from the Agriculturists near
Dlarktt beeping, for the repeal of the Malt Tax.
airs LliiNN A RD. presented a Petition from the Bankers.
Dl:•rchants, &c. ig Ipswich, complaining of agricultural distress,
and praying fot a repell of the late duty imposed on malt,—Laid
on the table.
' ' • Mr. GOOCH presented a Petition from the Agriculturists of
, • nedbeidge,,stnather from those of Hadley, and a third from
, : those oflpswich, for a repeal of the Malt Duty. Be sod, he
cite:cis:red drfth tbt Petitioners in thinking that this Tax ought li
to he repealed. Against the charge of inconsistency, which
n.itlht be weed against him, in mom •quence of•vosing the Army
lr..nuute, ta tl.e lull atautult of whlt, was rruosed bi :misters,.

whilst he sought for a repeal of the Malt Toe, he could only
say, that be thought the Tax unjust and impolitic. This was all
be bad to look to, and it was for Ministers to determine bow
theywould best supply the Revenue for the maintenance of
those Establishments which the Public Service required.—The
Petitions were laid on the table.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEILOF PRIVILEGES.

Mr. C. WYNN presented the Report of the Com-
mittee of Privileges on the subject of the Petition of
certain Electors of Carlisle. Tl:e Report stated that
the Committee had come to Resolutions in substance
as follows:-1st. That it appeared to the Committee
that a military force had,been called into Carlisle by
J. Forster, Esq. and two other Magistrates, on the
24th of May last, pending an Election, and before
the poll was closed. 2(11y. That it did not appear
to the Committee that there was any intention on the
part of these Magistrates to overawe the Election;
and, further, that the Civil Power was most inefficient
at Carlisle ; but it further appeared to the Commit-
tee, that the Magistrates did nut use all the means
which the Civil Power afforded them of preserving
the peace. •Under all the circumstances of the case,
however, considering the difficult task the Ma is-'
traces had to perform, the Committee did not feel
themselves called on to recommend the adoption of
any measure on this subject.
Mr. C, WYNN, alluding to the substance of the
Resolutions, said, the Committee recommended no
proceedings to the House, but trusted their Report
would have a good effect on the future conduct of
Magistrates. He should now content himself with
moving, that the Resolution of the House, of Sep.-
tember, 1741,-should be read.
The Resolution, declaring the employment of,
military at Elections, as a gross breaCh of privilege,
was then read.
Mr. C. WYNN moved a Resolution, that the House
would always guard this privilege with the most
watchful and jealous care.
Mr. BENNETT would not impute improper
motives to the Magistrates ; they had acted on their
discretion ; but it was a discretion most mischievously
exercised on this occasion.
Sir J. GRAHAM and Lord LOWTHER defended the
course taken by the Magistrates.
Mr. CuRwEN and Mr. JAMES condemned it.
The Resolution was, after a few words from Mr,
C. WYNN, adopted.