The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-12-12

On Nov. "a in the British House Of
Commons, Mr.. VIM. Redmond asked
leave to introduce Bill to remove cer-
tain disabilities affecting the Catholic
population and to make certain altera-
tions In the Accession Oath.
Mr.. VIM. Redmond, introducing the
Bill, said-The Dill which l now ask
leave to introduce Is, with additions,
practically the same measure which
has been before Parliament foc many
years. 1t was introduced by several
members on different occasions on be-
ever, to say that the measurc never
advanced beyond tho introduction
stage owing to the dihiculty which
private members find in securing time
for the consideration of their Bills.
Upon the present occasion I think it
advisable, however, briefly to give
some explanation OF the object Of the
Bill, and take this course because ]
have reason to know that the gravest
misrepresentation exists as to what
this Bill proposes to do. Tho OBJECT
which have i'll view is plain and clear.
l: is simply to place the Catholic pco-
pie on terms Of equality with people
o. other religions denominations
(cheers). The Bill which ask leave
to introduce endeavors to secure this.
The Catholics claim equality. They ask
fer 10 more, and will be satisfied with
no less. There is not, 1 need hardly
say, the faintcst idea upon the part II
the Catholics or their representatives
of asking for anything whatever I'm the
shape of favor, privilege. or advant-
age. 1t is equality, and AmpIy equal
ity. which the Catholic people ask for
and which they are, I am certain, In
the opinion Of every fair minded man
inside and outside Of tho House, en-
titled to have. 1t might come as Il sur
prise to many people in England to
learn that the Catholics do not enjoy
equality with other denominations to-
day. The popular belief is that the
Emancipation Act Of 1929 removed all
the laws Of which Catholics had reason
to complain. AS a matter of fact, the
very Act Of so-called Emancipation in
1929 itself contains provisions Of the
most offensive and insulting character
towards the Catholic people. The vari-
Gus statutes which 1t is sought by the
present Bill to repeal will be found set
forth in the Bill when it is printed be-
fore second reading. 1t is not, there
fore, necessary for me to refer to all
the objectionable statutes Of which
Catholics complain. I may mention,
however. one or two. In the Catholic
Relief Act of 1929 there are several
sections Of the most offensive charact-
er towards Catholics, and these it is
proposed to repeal. Section 26 to 80
provide frankly for the suppression Of
the Religious Orders Of the Catholic
church. Priests are forbidden, under
heavy penalties. to exercise any rites
or ceremonies Of their religion ia
wear the habits of their Orders any,
where save in Catholic places Of wor-
ship or private houses. Furthermore,
1t is frankly stated that the object of
the Sections Of the Act Of 1929 is to
make provision for the gradual sup
preston. and final prohibition in the
United Kingdom. Of Jesuits AMI other
Orders. Section 20 states: Whereas
Jesuits and members Of other Reli-
gious Orders. Communities, and So
cicties. Of the Church of Rome, bound
by monastic and other vows, are resi-.
dent within the United Kingdom, and
1 It is expedient to make provision for
the gradual suppression, and final pro-
hibition. Of the same therein" Then
fellow provisions, which remain in
force till this day. requiring members
Of Religious Orders to notify to the
Clerk Of the Peace Of the County The
place where the members Of such