rituous liquors ? and, last of all, are you made use of the pretext of the catholic ready to sacrifice the whole protestant and religion, and of fanatical priests, as the respectable catholic property of the country, best fire-brands to throw among the people by the abolition of rents, and the perpetual to rouse them to rebellion ; that their

1 grant of their farms, to the present occu- objects were the establishment of a republic pants ? Such are the terms, I know, have independent of Great-Britain, and con. been lately offered to the Irish peasantry nected with, but not dependant upon by French emissaries, and if you mean France. A great proportion of the people to bid against them with any charce of in three of the provinces being catholics, of success, you must not be outdone in the course the rebel ranks were filled with men magnificence of your offers.—But the noble of that persuasion.—The noble lord is baron says, refuse the request of the peti- wrong in stating, that where the rebel tioners, and you give a handle to the armies were strongest, it was in counties disaffected to work on the passions of altogether catholic. The county of Wexthe multitude. I agree with the noble ford possessed great numbers of protestants, baron, it will do so; and this, my lords, yet it was there the rebel troops were is the great objection to the stirring the in the greatest force; it was there the present subject. If granted, it will not greatesť enormities were committed; it obtaiır your object, namely, the tranquil. was there I witnessed catholic priests bearing lity of Ireland ; if refused, it may and pro- in their hands the sacred banner of the bably will do much mischief. The bringing cross, the emblem of the mildest of reliforward the petition can do no good; it gions ; it was there I saw them lead the may do much harm. What is the reason infuriated rabble to pillage, to destruction of bringing forward the petition at this of property, and to the murder of the aged, monient? Why did not the noble lord the infirm, women, children, in short, bring it forward in 1801 ? I give him cre- what was most distinguished, what was dit for not doing so; the country was in lowest in the community: I will not shock danger ; it was no time to agitate a question your lordships' ears by the disgusting recithat might create divisions and animosities. tal. But the noble lord says it arose out Why, if essential to the well-being of the of the unhappy circumstances of the state, was it not brought forward during country. I profess I do not understand the interval of peace? Will it be answered what the noble Jord means; but if he that the public opinion was then against wishes to convey the idea that the rebellion it? Has that opinion since changed? I was produced by any oppression of the firmly believe it still remains unaltered.— people, I must beg leave, with great respect The noble lord says, the rebellion of 1798 to him, positively to deny it. But the was not a catholic rebellion, and therefore noble baron says, that the influence of no impediment to the concession demanded. the pope over the priesthood can be no I have not heard any one state that rebellion objection ; he asks, do' we think the pope to have been a catholic rebellion; many is more hostile to us now than in those of its leaders were protestants, or professed times in which we were at war with the to be so. The present general of division Bourbon family? I certainly do not think hie in the service of his imperial and royal is. On the contrary, he cannot but wish well majesty the emperor of France and king to any nation that opposes Gallic tyranny. of Italy, was ordained a deacon of the But I think, nay I am certain, that the established church of Ireland by the father pope is the miserable puppet of the usurper of the individual who has now the honour of the throne of the Bourbons, that he to address you. Oihers, like Emmett, dare not move but by Napoleon's command; 'were professed protestants, but were real and, should he order liim to influence the disciples of the modern French school both Irish priests to rouse their ficcks to rebellion, in religion and in politics. : I had the honour he could not refiise to obey the despot. I to be one of the secret committee of ground this opinion upon his holiness the house of lords of Ireland, before which being forced to anoint the usurper of the those gentlemen niade their confessions of throne of the eldest sons of the church, treasoni. When asked, whether the esta- from whose family she had derived most blishment of the catholic religion was of her possessions. I ground this opinion one of their principal objects, they smiled upon the unfortunate old man being obliged and said, that such an idea never once to call upon the very respectable French entered into their heads; that they certainly bishops in this country, who had left all

for conscience sake, to forget the solemn suffer hardships from being excluded from oaths they had sworn to the princes of the Bour- the army. They are only excluded from bon race, and to take othersto support tyranny the commissions of commanders in chief and usurpation.-But the noble baron says, and generals on the staff. His lordship, that if you admit catholics' to seats in however, now says that I am mistaken; parliament, their numbers in both houses that when they come into this part of must ever be so small, that no danger can the united kingdom, they are liable to possibly occur to our present establish- penalties for serving. beg leave to differ ments : I agree with the noble lord, that from his lordship. By the law passed as long as there is a protestaut king on the previous to the union, they are allowed throne, there is little danger that any danger to enter into the army, and by the union can accrue from their numbers in this all acts not then repealed are confirmed and house ; but I positively assert, that, in the sanctioned. But tħe noble lord says, that other house, it is possible that their numbers four millions of people neither can, nor might be considerable. The present re- will, nor ought, to submit to such restricpresentation of Ireland is almost altogether tions. I entreat the noble lord to pause sent to parliament by popular elections. before he gives the weight of his authority Since the right of voting has been granted to such an opinion. What, that because to catholics, the manufacture of freeholders they are numerous they ought to resist has thriven so rapidly, that there is now the law? I am sure on reflection his lordscarcely a peasant who does not swear ship will not adhere to such an opinion.himself possessed of a forty shilling freehold. I had nearly forgotten a principal point I The numbers of the catholics has been had intended to press on your lordship's atallowed by all sides.— It will be conceded to tention. Both sides of the house, in conme, I am persuaded, that the catholics sidering this question, seem to me to have have hitherto acted in a body: why have forgotten that the catholics are not the they done so ? Because they had common only body to be consulted on this occasion. objects. The same causes will probably Are the feelings of the Irish protestants produce the same effects : if catholics get wholly to be left out of consideration ? admission to seats in parliament, it is pos- I believe they are almost entirely adverse sible that, in some time hereafter, they to the concession. Respect, I entreat you, may wish to obtain some great catholic the feelings of that body, ever true to their object. What is to prevent their leaders religion, faithful to their king, and enthufrom pressing upon the lower orders the siastically attached to British connexion. necessity of electing oatholics only, and, Descended from yourselves, in fighting if they succeed to a considerable degree, it valiantly their own battles, they have is natural to suppose that, having a common served your interests, and have prevented object, they will act together in parlia- by their exertions that fair and beautiful ment? I will suppose a case that certainly island from being torn from the British does not exist at present; I will suppose empire. In seeking new friends, whom that, at some distant day, a struggle of possibly you may fail to conciliate, neglect parties may take place, that the parties not your old ones, but remain firm to may be pretty nearly balanced; what if those who have in the worst of times rethen the catholic representation, acting in a mained firm to you.--I beg pardon for mass, should offer their assistance to that having so long detained your lordships, party which should favour their views and for having, from excessive fatigue, laid Ministers may wish to cling to their situ- my thoughts before you in a ations; opposition per fas aut nefas to obtain less connected than I wished to have done. them. I am apprehensive, as long as I shall oppose the motion for going into human nature remains unchanged, that the a committee on the petition. resistance to their wishes would not be very Lord Carysfort considered the question strong -The noble baron (lord Holland) of immense magnitude and importance. says, that for want of catholic sheriffs, He had a great deal to submit to their catholics do not in many instances enjoy the lordships upon it, but thought the hour benefits of the trial by jury. I never heard too late for that purpose, and therefore that juries failed in doing their duty, suggested the propriety of an adjournment. without distinction of party, except when The Marquis of Buckingham was in the they have been deterred by the terrors of same predicament as the noble lord who had assassination. That noble lord says they just spoken, having also much to say to

their lordships if there was a seasonable op- you, and by all men, what this house has portunity for that purpose.

considered to be the character of your ofLord Grenville submitted to the house the fence, and upon what grounds you are this propriety of not proceeding further the pre- day to be liberated. The sum of your ofsent evening.

fence is this : that you, being the sheriff and Earl Darnley wished to address the house returning officer, did, at an election for the also, but thought it too late. He appealed county of Middlesex, for the purpose of to noble lords opposite to him, whether giving a colourable majority to one candidate there was not an understanding before the in prejudice of another, wilfully, knowingdebate commenced that there was to be an ly, and corruptly admit fictitious votes upon adjournment ?

the poll; that your inconsistent and conLord Hawkesl'ury explained the terms on tradictory practices afforded the greatest enwhich he had been willing to adjourn the couragement to perjury ; and that you rediscussion, but the house would now judge fused to examine the validity of votes by for itself, for he would not urge any thing reference to the land-tax assessments, in further on the subject, the hour being so defiance of the laws of your country.late, and so many noble lords desirous of Graver offences than these cannot be laid delivering their sentiments on this most im- to the charge of any men holding the high portant occasion.

office with which you were then invested ; The Earl of Derly then moved, “ that an office to which you were raised by the this house do now adjourn to Monday next;" free choice of your fellow citizens in the . which, after a few words in support of it, metropolis of this empire, and of which of

was agreed to.-Adjourned at four o'clock fice you betrayed the most important duties; on Saturday morning.

violating at once the freedom of elections, the privileges of this house, and the just

constitution of parliaments.-Upon these HOUSE OF COMMNOS.

charges, established by ample and conclusive Friday, May 10.

evidence, you were committed to his ma[Minutes.] A petition of the mayor, jesty's gaol of Newgate, the common realdermen, recorder, freemen, and inhabi- ceptacle of malefactors, there to remain tants, of the borough of Saint Alban, in the prisoners, amongst those over whom you county of Hertford, was presented to the had been magistrates ; a signal proof of the · house by Mr. Poyntz, and read; setting power and the justice of this house, an inforth, “ That the petitioners beg leave to delible disgrace upon you, and a memorable congratulate the house, and express their example to others.--Nevertheless, it appearheartfelt satisfaction, at the resolutions which ing now, by your petition, that your minds passed on the 8th and 10th of April last, re- have been humbled to a due sense of your specting the tenth report of the commis- misconduct, and that your errors may be in sioners of naval enquiry, and pray the house some degree imputed to the ignorant or to pursue such measures as they may think criminal advice under which you unfortujust for effectually exposing, and bringing nately acted, this house is willing to believe to punishment all public peculators and de- that the ends of justice are at length satislinquents, and for securing in future the fied; it has therefore consented that you be treasure of the nation from similar depre- now discharged. And you are discharged dations: and although the petitioners most accordingly; paying your fees."—Ordered, sincerely deplore the complicated difficulties on the motion of Lord Marsham, that Mr. of the present conjuncture, yet they confi- Speaker's reprimand be entered on the jourdently rely on the wisdom of parliament for nals.-Mr. Leycester informed the house, . relief."-Mr. F. Fane moved, that sir Wil. that the house of lords had been waited on liam Rawlins and Robert Albion Cox, Esq. with its message, requiring the attendance should be brought to the bar for the purpose of lord Harrowby to give evidence before of being reprimanded and discharged. They the select committee, to which their lordwere accordingly put to the bar; whereupon ships replied, they would send an answer by Mr. Speaker addressed them as follows: messengers of their own.-The house then “ Sir William Rawlins and Robert Albion proceeded to ballot for a select committee, Cox; your conduct having undergone the to enquire into the several papers presented - severe but just animadversion of this house, to the house respecting the repairs of the followed by a sentence of ignominious im- Romney and La Sensible, whilst under comprisonment, it is fil to be understood by inand of sir Fiore Pophan in the Red Sea.

A committee was appointed to examine juncture, they are engaged. He understood, on whom the ballot had fallen, according to if these motions were agreed to, the friends the lists put in the glasses.

of earl St. Vincent would move for other [STATE OF THE Navr.) Mr. Jeffery papers, which would still embarrass the said, he rose in pursuance of the notice he public business. He was desirous to be inhad given, to have the honour of submitting formed, if, at any crisis like the present, to the house a motion for the production of the lords of the admiralty could peruse the several accounts relating to the naval depart- voluminous accounts moved for by the hon. ment of the country, during the administra- member, without material injury to the tion of earl St. Vincent. Having read the public service in the present state of the motions on a former night to the house, and country? He was of opinion, that the being of opinion that some time should be preparing the accounts would be attended taken to deliberate on their contents, he with manifest inconvenience, and would annow rose to submit his motions to the con- swer no good purpose whatever. sideration of parliament. He was per- Mr. Jeffery considered the observations suaded when the accounts were laid upon of the hon. baronet premature, as he could the table, and perused by the members, that not know whether the accounts would lead he would be borne out in the view which he to enquiry or not. He would not contend, had taken of the subject, and the intention if any thing criminal occurred in the adfor which the accounts were brought for ministration of lord St. Vincent, it should ward. He would not trouble the house be passed over, and that an enquiry into his with any further observations until he heard conduct ought not to be instituted. He dewhether his motions were opposed, or met clared, on his honour, that he did not act with the approbation of the house. He through party motives, he was an uncontherefore should move, “ That there be laid nected individual, not belonging to any man before the house an account, shewing the or set of men; his conduct arose froin his number of line-of-battle ships and frigates feelings for the situation of the country, and built between the 1st January, 1783, and his knowledge where the faults were im31st December, 1792, distinguishing the putable, with respect to the administration number of ships launched from the mer- of earl St. Vincent. The reduced state of chants' yards, from those launched from the the navy he attributed to the noble lord, and king's yards."

if enquiry was to be dispensed with the · The Chancellor of the Erchequer said, he present session, he knew the difficulty of had no objection to the motion now offered ; obtaining enquiry hereafter. He knew he .but as those which were to follow were very had undertaken ani herculean task in tlie voluminous, he wished to have it understood, first instance, but he had cogent, ample, that he must oppose the production of any and sufficient reasons for bringing the meapapers tending to shew the state and con- sure before the house. He trusted that no dition of the ships in 1861, as it might af- member would object to his motions, that ford improper information to the enemy. parliament might decide whether enquiry He should also object to the production of was or was not necessary.

He moreover any correspondence explaining the state of trusted that no gentleman would be against British and foreign timber, as it might dis- the production of the papers, until they close the foreign resources of the navy, and knew what they contained. They were thereby perhaps enable the enemy to em- neither as voluininoäs nor as intricate as barrass them.

some members might imagine' ; and be Sir John Sinclair entertained great doubts

: pledged himself that they could be produced with respect to the propriety of bringing in a week or ten days, without giving any forward the long list of motions which the extraordinary trouble to the lords of the adni. hon. gent. stated on a former night, as they ralty in perusing their contents. He thought embraced almost every branch of the naval them absolutely necessary to be produced, service of the country. He submitted if, | as he would take upon hini to'prove, that at this late period of the session, it were lord St. Vincent had disgraced the British adviseable; and he would be glad to know navy, and was the greatest enemy to the from any gentleman conversant with the country and the navy of Great-Britain that official business of the board of admiralty, the country ever knew. if these accounts could be prepared without Mr. T'ierney said, he was far from opposing distracting its attention from the other im- the motion now before the house, especially portant: concerns, in which, at this con- as the bon, gent. had put it out of his power

to do so, by declaring that the noble and situation to another. They differed indeed gallant earl had disgraced the British navy, in their opinions, on the best means of and was the greatest enemy to the country naval administration; but he should not have that the country ever knew. If the hon. thought that a reason why he should so abangent. said all this from his own suggestion, don him in every other respect. A fair and it was a' pity that he was pot a lord of the manly hostility to the noble earl, like that of adıniralty, by which he might have obtained | the unconnected individual, would, in his greater information than he probably now opinion, be more becoming in the right hon. possessed. The lights, however, which he gent. than the grant of papers, professing to professed to have obtained, and the decisive brand the noble earl in the manner expressline of conduct he bad adopted, were rather ed by bis present adversary. This was not strange in an independent country gentle a charge that respected any particular ex. man, professing himself to be unconnected pedition, or partial failure, but a broad acwith any party. It was equally strange too, cusation, which ought either to be sifted to that no attack whatever had been made the bottom, or all documents be refused against earl St. Vincent until he adopted upon it. When the bon. accuser seemed to measures which tended to attack others. doubt whether these papers miglit in the reThe proceedings of this day were certainly sult, tend to an enquiry, he must have had a good warning to any man to be very care- a most extravagant opinion of his own moful how he ventured to attack abuses. If tion, to think it would be sufficient of itself the hon. gent. had'indeed been a party man, for condemnation. For his own part, he instead of an unconnected gentleman, as he was of a very different opinion, and wished, described himself, he might have been sus in conclusion, distinctly to state on the part pected of having taken a very dexterous way of earl St. Vincent, that all his lordsluip to divert the attention of the house from looked for was a full and fair enquiry. the other enquiries already going forward; The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, lie but he could not consider it altogether fair in did not see why the right hon. gent. should this unconnected, man to assert that he could rest his observations particularly on him, as prove earl St. Vincent to have disgraced the be, no more than any other member, could navy, and have been an enemy to his coun-judge whether tlie papers might endue an try. After he had heard the minister him- enquiry, until he could examine the nature self object to, some of those papers which of them all. When this motion was first might turn out to be the most necessary noticed, it seemed to be the general wish, for the noble earl's defence ; let the fair and on all sides, that the papers should be full enquiry be granted ; and if any of the granted, and be alone wished for a delay, papers required should appear of too deli- which led him, as he stated before, to object cate a nature to be made public, let the en-to two of them, as inconsistent with the quiry be a secret one. At the present mos public safety; but, he could not foresee the ment, indeed, the friends of the carl St. effect of the remainder. It the house exVincent did not appear to be very. numerous amined: the speech of the right hon. gent: in that house; nor were they much want-(Mr. Tierney), they would: observe it to ing to a man who might safely, rest his cha- consist of alternate sentences : the one tenda racter on the sentiments, of a grateful and ing to cout, and the other to suppress ens affectionate people. Whatever that uncon- quiry. As to what had been alluded to of pronected gentleman, might think himself, he tection, he had only to say, that he should fancied he would not find it an easy task to be always ready to protect arl St. Vincent; convince the people of England that the earl or any other man, against injustice. The St. Vincent was the enemy of his country. remembrance he had of the great profesHe thought he liad a right to expect, ibat sional services of the noble earl wonld be the right hou. gent. (Mr. Pitt) himself would a sufficient restraint against any hostility on have given some favourable opinion of at his part towards him ; but, he had long since least the professional merits of the noble ear), expressed his opinion of his conductin the ada when he heard his character arraigned in miralty, and he had not yet seen any reason such a mar.s ry by this unconnected indivi- to retract it. The past prefessional merits dual. When he leard so illustrious, a chat of the noble earl, however great, were not racter reviled, without any appeal to former sufficient grounds to defend the faults in, his friendship, to exiend towards it the protec- administration. For his own part, he. de: tion of his own opinion, was no more than clared that he had no wish for, nor did lie what was, die trona one great: nan in a high intend to submit, any enquiry into the con

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