The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-06-29

London, June 2s.-Beginning by express
ing the hope that 1t would not be contro-
versial. Prime Minister Asquith, in the
House of Commons this afternoon, intro
dueed the government bin altering the
form OF the Kings declaration on his
accession TO the throne.
Mr. Asquith reviewed the history Of the
oath which IS so offensive to the Roman
| Catholics OF the empire. Mr. Asquith
said the language OF the oath was en-
phatie, but it had been equaled by the
thirty-nine articles of the Church OF Eng
! land and that used by the Church OF
Rome 20 converts in denunciation of
Protestant doctrines. Roman Catholics.
the premier declared. enjoyed all civil and
political rights. although they are barred
from one or two Offices.
Mr.. Asquith said he hoped the relies OF
the past would soon be removed. He con-
tinued:
"The Roman Catholic subjects OF the
crown number 100000. Nobody doubts
their loyalty. and the declaration cannot
fail TO be offensive TO the sovereign him
self (Cheers) The late King found II a
repugnant duty TO signallze the begin
ming OF his reign by a repulsive formula
directed against many OF his subjects.
(Cheersl.
Three Distinct Safeguards.
There were three distinct statutory
safeguards for the protestant succession. -
continued Mr.. Asquith. we cannot get
rid Of the declaration altogether. but the
government proposes~that It should run
as follows:
az do solemnly and sincerely. and in
the presence OF God profess. testify, and
declare that / am a faithful member OF
the Protestant Reformed Church BY law
established In England, and 1 Will, &C
cordng 10 the true intent OF the enact
ments which secure protestant succession
60 the throne OF my realm. uphold and
maintain said enactments TO the best OF
my power according to law
(The oath declared the sovereigns dis
belief in the doctrine OF transubstantia-
ton and denounced the alteration OF the
Virgin Mary or any other saint as prac-
ticed by the church OF Rome As super
stitious and idolatrous.)
Mr. Asquith expressed the hope that
the House would not enter into fun de-
bate on the bill.
Opposition Joins I'm Wish.
Mr.. Balfour. leader OF the opposition
Joined Mr. Asquith in this wish. he sara
that the late government of which he
was prime minister, when King Edward
assembled the throne. was anxious 10 alter
the declaration, but found it impossible
10 do so. Mr.. BalfOur said he approved
the change in order 10 remove the source
Of offense which the Kings loyal sub
jects take TO the form Of the old OATH
The Introduction OF the bill was voted
$50 TO q, and Il was read the first time
amid general cheers
During the debate preceding the vote
William Redmond. the irish Nationalist
member, who has been agitating the
question of a change in the accession
oath. said he did not believe 1t would be
reasonable for Catholics TO object TO the
new declaration.
Three irish Conservatives, Capt, James
Craig. member for the Eastern division
OF County Down; Charles c. Craig. rep
resenting the Southern division OF An
trim, and William Moore member for the
North division OF Armagh. opposed the
bill, as did the Liberals Sir Clifford John
Cory, Thomas Agar Roberts. Nell Prim-
rose, youngest son OF Lord RosebeTTy.
and Alpheus Norton.
These five Liberal members, Hilaire
Bello, Sir Joseph Compton Rickett. John
Ellis, Frederick William Verney, and
George Harwood, and the conservative.
Harry Newton. supported the bill.