Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-01
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF COJN.5lO-N.S-.Harch 5.
II AZ, Dc.p. C.assL CA..i.il

But, supposing the civil war was over, and the
rebellion suppressed, where would be the triumph?
w hose would be the success: Whose the geory.
What advantage would il bring TO the Professionals
What permanent effect would il enforce against
the Catholics: We have here, also, history TO
guide US 10 results. A civil war, such as has
been now anticipated by some hopourabe gentle
men, actually existed in 1893, under the admins
tration Of Mr.. Pitt OF the State OF Ireland az
that time the house will see the nature from the
description OF It inserted in the preamble Of bin
passed on that oscasion:-" That a rebellion was
raging, accompanied with aggravated crcuInstaI-
ces OF atrocity, distracted and esoiaed the coun-
try, set the civil power at defiance, and stopped
the ordinary course OF JUSTICE" Surprising the
| rebeihon, then, put down, and the immediate
| element abated, say that the very first mes-,
sure that the Government would adopt. after
the suppression OF the tumult would lie to pro-
coed TO an adjustment of the Catholic Question;
Tor, surely, 1t such were not the result Of
the success of the law over insurrection all the
Toll and sufferings would have gone for nothing
Here again we can argue from the past for, after
the suppression Of the irish rebellion of 1903 it
was resolved by Mr.. Pitt, Lord CORVALLIS, and
Lord Castlefeagh. the successful agents OF Govern
! ment in suppressng the rebellion, that the FIRST
| moment OF internal peace Qs0l) should be devot-
ed by them TO the settlement OF the Catholic
question:; and, essential did these ministers
slider that adjustment TO be TO the interests of
the empire, that, on failing to carry that measure
into effect, they retired from Office Sir, I am
satisfied that even an administration, formed OH the
principle OF resistance 10 concession, would be so
shocked If such result OF their measures as rebel
lion must be, that they would complete the suppress
SION OF that rebellion by settlement oi the question.
Sir have labored tau. far, and much in detail TO
prove to the people of this country three PROPOSE
tions, which must be considered the foundations Of
any alterations TO be introduced into the present
state OF the laws affecting the Catholics. The
first is, that the time has now arrived for making
an attempt 10 settle this question; secondly, tina;
we cannot, as Far as that question is ccnce rned.
remain as we arc; and, thirdly, that moral ne
cessity has arisen 80 Justify in an attempt TO
settle IT. repeat, sir, that think il the better,
the wiser, and the safer measure 10 adjust this
question now than 10 protract IL TO any future peri
od And now, sir, shall proceed 20 the considera-
ton Of the measure which has been thought fit 10
be proposed by his majesiy's government 10 Psr-
lament, as a remedy for some of the evils atten-
dant on the existing system, and basiS for the
erection OF better system OF civil authority, and
Tor the satisfactory adjustment and final consuul-
nation for ever OF the Catholic question. Sir, in
proceeding to consider the means OF accomplish
| ing that great and most desirable end, l cannot
disguise from myself the existence of many scri-
Gus difficulties s. obstacles to the set!ernc mt Of that
questions; but confess that there are some whose
Importance never admitted, and which, in fact
never regarded. / am aware that opposiiion TO
il has arisen through the country, founded OH
feeling that this is religious question, not po-
iiGcal one; and the notion has gone abroad, TOO,
that there is something in the Protest. reilly ION
| inconsistent with the admission OF Roman Catho-
| lies TO power.--Now, sir, do deny, most une-
quivocaliy, that the question is religious one
say, sir, il is political question, not 10 he decided
on the ground OF religious feelings spiritual
doctrines, but on principle of expediency, and
on reference TO the advantages flowing from the
removal of disabilities. But, sir, considering il in
the light OF religious question, (for will, meet
those gentlemen even on that ground, though
chosen by themseves,) looking at it affecting
the interests Of the Protestant religion, I ash.
honorable gentlemen how far has the existence
OF the present exclusive system tended TO in
! crease the spread OF Professionalism liz Ireland? or
rather, has 1t not obstructed the progress? j. it
not fact, sir, that the agents OF the Protestant
religion in ireland are suspected of indirect mo.
| fves, and SO thwarted in their operations? Is il
not true that the higher classes Of the Catholics
| have been prevented from conforming, under the
present laws, by sense OF hopour and a spirit
OF resistance, to what they consider as The DOM.
n'nt religion! Now, sir, is il not reasonable 10
expect that, when these disabilities shall have
been removed, the Protestant Saith will have more
fair play Tor the exercise Of her influence in uri
Tying, n not destroying altogether, the depIorable
doctrines OF the Catholic religion in Ireland?
Now, sir, must declare that my proposal is not
OF religious characters that, il is purely politi-
Cal one;- and am sure that, after shall have ex,
planned its nature and object, there will be no gen
ilenan, however jealous for the Protestant reli-
gion and its interests, and however friendly he
may be TO those points OF fait! that constitute lis
difference from the Roman Catholie,-not ono.
iePed', VINO can otyect, on religious grounds,
TO tn measure which l am about 10 propose
Another objection to this measure is the arp,I.
inent derived from the obligations OF the corona
lion oath. Now, sir that point can ONLY
say, Mat, having for eighteen years conduct
cd tile opposition TO tbis question in this house
and having in chat time searched with much
anxiety for all legitimate arguments against
u, and this assertion viii be taken as a
proof OF my sincerity in that opposition I uni
forDily disclamed any objection TO il founded
on the construction of the coronation OATH
Sir, ever thought, now think, ,hercis moth
ing IN the coronation oath on which you can found
sond objection TO the concession OF the Catholic
claims; and on this construction do nor s,and A.
lone. rms was the opinion OF Mr.. Pitt, this was
the opiifen entertained and clnphaticaly expgess-
cd 10y Lord Liverpool. Sir, il is impossible TO
read the terms OF the oath and think for one me-
nent alter, thatthe removal OF the civil dissbili.
ties affecting the Catholics s Inconsistent with the
obligations Of that oath. Sir, contend, land here
beg to bo understood not talking Of the in
corporation OF the Catholic religion with iI,e sta
that there is such incoinpaiiLjIity between
The obligations Of that and the OF po,i,
zeal privileges 10 the Catholics. But, However
lightly may weigh The objections which have
mentioned, mus, allow hat there are other ob
s'aeles aud difficulties, serious and important in
deed, that stand in the way Of concessions know
that there may be diilic0lties found and ol,iee
tons anticipated, growing out Of the Act Of Uni.
on admit that fnSuy objections and no, ;srs,;c,
I 81 objections, may DO urged, but I earnes,Iy on.
treat all men to approach the question u tho erir
II OF mutual concession. wish the house n fdnL
At tie ultimate object OF The rnensi,res and ia, an
pears mat HIs ~ reality important measure
NAV sfeat adV aniagesmay nc reapsd and afest dan,
ger svs'ted by surely 10 Tiv isi objections shout,
nuuee W. 10 ioreg0 uose adVantsgcsor 10 refuse 10
| aver we DANGER There haze already hecn ma
ny Occasions on Which psriiinem found IL neoes.
Sdry 10 throw aside t.,tp6, of,;erfioo. IN n,r. -