Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-01

ins,ru,nen, Of which the arstoSraey o. ireland eA.
ercised their influence in the country and the free.
holders were generally made for the purpose OF
supporting that influence. 1t was altogether diff
| ferent from the franchise in England. Under
the franchise, asst at present existed. the infiu-
ence OF the landlord paralyzcd, and the priest
stepped in 70 deprive him OF il altogether. tits
vain for any one 20 look at what has taken place
| 10 the counties Of Monaghan, Louth, snd Mayo
and 10 assert that We had not right to that the
franchise was not exercised 10 its present iegit.
innate manner.
| PROPOSE SIR, TO raise the responsibility Of the e.
lec.ors, the effect OF the bill about to intro.
duee will DC TO give an Independent constituency
to ireland. do not propose il Cor the purpose Of
diminishing Catholic power; do not offer It as
check TO Catholic power;but do telieve that it will
diminish the control OF the priesthood. (Hear hearty
In tho evidence before the house, various opinions
were given as to the amount to which the elective
franchise should be raised; some have stated that
it should be raised to ECO. in order TO ensure a
respectable constituency; but for my own part
think that too violent alteration of the law and,
as there is an intermediate sum between 40s and
EGO, am inclined to be satisfied with El0.-
(Hear!) IL is very difficult 10 estimate the num-
bers that would be entited to vote under this alte
ration, but doubtless they would be very consider
able. The number Of ESQ and E2O registered
treeholders afford no indication Of the numbers,
but they would certainly BE- very considerable.
may be told that the 40s. freehotrrs would ra.
Their remain in possession of the imaginary privi-
ieGes annexed TO their freehold, than accept eman-
cipation on these terms. But contend, that
man who holds lease for term of years has no
power Of granting freehold. The principle will
60 far TO remedy the evil. Atihe same time, do
not propose to extend this principle to the elective
franchise exercised in corporate towns. But il it
were possible 10 limit the right Of corporations
make nonresident freemcn, il would be a great
Improvement However, II may not he advisable
to interfere with corporate rights at frsse 1t. If
am asked what compensation am 90 give the los
freehoiders Tor the surrender Of this privilege,
would tell them that they will bc raised to the
joyment OF those Offices which are objects OF their
| ambition, and which they claim as their right.
know that have to contend with strong Proies-
tant feeling, but tell you that you win not bc
overborne by the operations of this measure
(Chcere9 The remaining branch to which have
to allude is as to ecclesiastical securities. This
| IS a topic which approach with feelings Of great
| difficulty. may be asked. in what light do you
propose to consider the church of Rome.-Do you
propose 10 incorporate il with the state, let it
remain in the situation Of other dissenting churches.
am not at all insensible TO the advantages to be
derived from making provision for the Roman
Catholic ecciesastics. Lord Castlereagh and many
other very high authorities entertained that OPT
Mon. But I think that it would be something
revolving 20 the independence and high charge
ter OF this country. if the King of England
were 10 approach the church of Rome, or
any other foreign court, TO know upon what
terms he was TO treat with his own subjects
thana recognition OF that power to interfere with
the government or constitution of this country.-
Continued cheering.) If you ask what eccies-
asiical securities they have, say that thoy have
none. propose that the Roman Catholic faith
should be placed, not the footing of establish
ments, but on the same footing as all other classes
Of dissenters. There are some changes which
should not think it polite to Introduce and among
them the proposition which has been made of at
taching veto to the crown. That has been the
source OF protracted discussion that, think sir,
would be very inconsiderable power. NV oh.
lection to the veto Is, that il would be the COM
mencement OF an establishment. lHear II
contend that the nomination Of those reverend pre-
ates would be the commencement of an establish
ment, which 10 would be better to avoid. think
II better to take no securities, than 10 take those
which will be Intellectual. 1t would be imposing
responsibility on the crown, without investing
itvith any power.-Witb respect TO all intercourse
with the see OF Rome, do not know that there
viii be any objection on the part of that court
though, confess, have no inclination to try.
do not conceive any great advantage will be de-
rived from that course. The greatest advantage
that will be derived from the settlement and the
removal Of the Catholic disabilities is, that we
shall be enabled TO make any securities thought
requisite after the settlement, and TO legslate for
them as we Iegislate for any other sect. think,
however, that it win be wise, when Catholics are
admitted to civil and corporate Offices, that the in
sigma OF Office shall not be exhibited in any other
place than the established church. should also
wish that the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland
should not assume the titles and privileges of Pro-
testant bishops. They are bishops to all intcnts
and purposes; their titles valid as bishops Of
the established church. There is point to which
| wish to aflude. with respect to a society which
has excited suspicion in this county. aude to
| the order Of Jesuts. (Ifear!1 For the security
of the country, l consider that their numbers
ought TO be known, and provision will be made in
the bill for their numbers to be registered. pro-
vision shall! be made to prevent the unrestricted
irruption into this country of order Of men
against whom all countries have set their faces
| [Hear, hear!l We have right to take securi-
lies against the intention Of their members, as they
owe no allegiance; 70 any state in This country
With respect TO this measure, I shall propose
committee. in which TO move resolutions which it
is intended shall be the foundation OF bill in
which shall make these regulations. After that,
shall move to bring in another bill, the object Of
which will be the regulation Of the elective fran
chise Thus, then, sir, we approach tho principle
Of the proposed measure, and in doing so, must
again entreat honorable members to entertain it
| calmly and dspassionately, in order TO put safe
aud satisfactory conclusion TO this question, and to
consider that the spirit in which it is offered, is
with view to promote safe and satisfactory adj
ljnstment. Let us all bear in mind the conse-
Iquence, il this measure fails. In this measure we
have proceeded upon great principles, and il APP
plies equally TO ALL do not say that specious aud
solid objections may not be made to this mea-
| sure. This observation. however, would apply to
| every extensive and complicated measure; and,
depend upon it, we shall never have the Catholic
question settled, If every man opposes the settle
mont, until measure is proposed which exactly
meets his own views and wishes. ! ask whether
! by the proposed measure there will not be a
chance Of uniting the Protestant mind, in which a
new and efficient security will be found against
any dangers which shall arise' ask the Roman
Catholics whether they not willing to consen,
| to- bocc 1 n