Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1828-04-30
HOUSE OF CoMMoNs-Trrsn.v ~ o.
Test and Corporction ac,.

er To the following ehcct:-Sjr. r;sa in con
sequence OF the notice which so,;rf-t;ne =.
go gave upon the subject, for the PURPOSE ~
submitting to the consideration Of tho Ho,,.a
motion which, although it has not Cor M, -,
years been before the House. viii ! a,2
sure, not be esteemed less worthy ofiba;, ~
'cntion, either on that account, or on oc.
count OF the weakness Of the ndyocota -,
Wiom 1t IS about TO be supported. | AN, 81
tiSiied that the great number of petitions in
it'of OF civil and religious liberty which AFRO
now upon the table, will at least induce the
mouse TO take the question into their most So
nous considerations; and. if they DO dismiss
l.: al least not to do SO until after the inycs-
~ uSa'ion winch IFS Importance demands.
nofe Is one consideration, personal 20 my
EN- tiie iorce OF which | certainly feel very
ioFcioiy. 1T IS moi that am not confident of
the strength OF the case itself. Il isnat that
| lear it IS brought before an assembly en-
teHanng preconceiyed opinions hostile to
ITS adoption. Neither sir, do feel any diff
hucnce resulting from the conduct OF the pc
tiiionerS, Tor | ain sure that there is I'D one
mere VINO Will attempt 10 excuse Or irnpuun
thc conduct OF the Protestant Dissenters Of
tiliS country. But, SIR, there is nevertheless
one recollection which compcis me TO an
preach this question with kind of awe-an
awe which, were it;nOtfor circumstances of ~,
aiicTiaunG nature, would amount TO absolute
deSpnlr;--l mean the remembrance that the
last time at which il was pressctuDon the no
| tice OF the House, it was introduced
ny the eioquence and argument of Mr..
| foI-a man than whose no cloquencc was
ever more splendid, and no argument ever
mere powerful. And yet, notwithstan ding
the efforts OF MIR. Fox, the proposition was
rciocted'by the House of Commons OF that
cay confess that this reflection would af
i3ct me with such hoPelessness Of success,
'hat should he disposed 10 give up the case
''i'Aei!' were II not Tor the encouraging con-
slderafIon that, il cannot wieid The same
weapons that MIR. Fox welded, have not "a
encounter the same enemies that Mr.. Fox
encountered. Ihave great satisfaction in fec
ing that, during the 80 years which! have e.
l"oScd since Mir. FoY's unsuccessful ATTEMPT.
PooAc opinion has been gradually advancing
n favor OF the proposed relaxation, i great
Improvement has taken place III The public
in!iid respecting 1t; and more especially "a
mong the middle classes OF society. Thcrc
are many who, at the perio,l to which have
alluded, were The warm opponents of the
general diffusion ccreligious liberty. but W.,
are now among its warmcst supporters.
That at least IS the impression Oh nv mind:
and to co"ntcnancc me il, that impression.
need only refer TO what has occurred in the
Court Of Common Council oi the City elton
don. 1t IS notorious that IN TIC wear 1890
the Aldermen and Common Council of the
City OF london passed certain resolutions a.
ganst tie repeal of the Test and Corpora
ton Acts; and subsequently thanked the
Members for the City who voted against that
repeal. At present, however, the opinions
OF that respcc able body are 50 changed.
shat they recently agreed to certain resoiu
lions, an| on these resolutions founded pc
t!t'on to this House, praying !or The rcpcalof
the / est and Corporation Acts, rs contrary
to 'i'c principles Of civil and religious liberty
near hear, hear!l. So much for the ci,ange
t'at has taken place in public opinion upon
the subject. But there arc Other circurn-
stances OF very Favourable nature. One