36 EPITOME OF INTELLIGENCE. IN N consequence of the circular letter | of Mr. O'Connell, requesting a meeting of the Catholics of Ireland, in the hope of combining all the efforts of the petitioners, or, in other words, of conciliating those who had seceded from the former meetings of the body, because it persisted in advocating the cause of Emancipation, on the ground of unrestricted and equal rights, a number of gentlemen met in Dublin to consider of the propriety of petitioning for a redress of grievances, and of the mode to be adopted for furthering the said object.-At the first two meetings nothing was at-At one of the meetings of the Comtempted, except wooing my Lord Fingall to place himself at the head of the Catholic body once more, which, after a little coquetting, his Lordship consented to do. As soon as Lord Fingall was placed in the chair of the Committee, his Lordship, thought it of high importance to explain to the meeting some reports which had been in circulation, namely, that the noble Earl had been in intercourse with the Castle since his secession from the Catholic meetings, and that he had sent a haunch of venison to the Secretary of State, both which his Lordship denied. This explanation having found its way into the newspapers, and being treated by some rather sarcastically, at the next assembly of the Committee, Lord Fingall complained of the indecorous treatment, and considered it very improper that the transactions of the Committee, which consisted only of private conversation between the members, should be made public. His Lordship, therefore, thought that the meetings of the Committee should be considered, for the future, as secret ones. This was opposed by some of the members, but was at length carried, and the reporters for the papers were henceforth excluded. The cir cumstance of the meetings being rendered close, soon gave umbrage and disgust to the people, and the title of the Popish Divan was the name by which the Committee was afterwards designated by most of the public prints. It was, however, soon found necessary to rescind this order, not only to avoid the calumny and misrepresentations of their enemies, but also to prevent purtial accounts of the debates being inserted, to further the views of the Vetoists, which some of these respectable and honest gentlemen commenced favouring the public with. mittee it was agreed that Mr. Sheil, who was formerly in this country, and who is known to have been tutored by the gentleman who is so much felt, but not seen, in the English Board, was appointed to draw up a Petition, but other gentlemen were also at liberty to do the same. On the 10th of Jan. Mr. Sheil presented his petition to the Committee, the principal features of which were, that it was very long, unfounded in its statements, involved in its reasoning, unexplicit in its prayer, ambiguous in its promises, and was drawn up in such a style of language, as rendered it impossible for any one to comprehend its meaning. Want of room prevents us from inserting it, but the following summary of the objections made to it by the members of the Committee, together with Mr. Sheil's defence of it, will enable the readers of the Orthodox Jornal to form their own conclusions, as to the views of the Leaders, (as they are termed,) of the Catholic body, and the Seceders from it: After Mr. Sheil had read the Petition, a variety of objections were started. Mr. Sheil declared that he had given much attention ta self as well as to the Committee to vindicate the Petition, and felt that he owed it to himevery sentiment and phrase contained in it, which he considered as likely to do good. He had made an endeavour to adopt the language of the Petition to existing circumstances. It was in his opinion the language of earnest prayer, in which every intemperate phrase had been carefully avoided. If he was convinced by the reasons which would be urged, that there was any thing of an exceptionable kind either in the matter or the expression, he was ready to yield to those reasons, but at the same time he declared, with a frankness which he hoped would not be imputed to vanity, that until convinced of a fault, he would not confess it. Mr. O'Gorman commended Mr. Sheil's candour, and said that he would state his objections in an unreserved way. Mr. Lyons observed, that the words "liberal attention," in the first paragraph, were not, perhaps, very consistent with facts. Mr. Sheil said, that in his mind the Catholic question had undergone so much discussion in Parliament, and had been uniformly considered with so much deliberation, that the terms which he had employed were apposite. Nothing would be gained by that sullennness which is often mistaken for dignity. Mr. O'Connell said, that there was something still more undignified than sullenness. It was the want of strict adherence to facthe must therefore most pointedly object to the first and second paragraph, for it was not true that the Irish Catholics had experienced any liberality from the English Parliament what evidence were there of liberality? Was it the constant rejection of the prayer of their Petition? was it the continuation of the present uujust and partial system of law, which, in despite of the first rights of humanity, punished men for being true to their consciences, and would reward them if any chose to become hypocrites or perjurers-Liberal indeed! Let it be called by its right name-plain Bigotry and Injustice. When the next paragraph tells us that the British character is at an unexampled beight; this he also denied. Without referring to ancient times, there were recent instances of character that might well put the British to the_blush. There was America, possessing a Constitution more democratic and more free; possessing, in all her classes and religions, real liberty; where the human mind was left uncontrouled by the impiety of law; where the press was really free; where truth was no libel; and where man guverned himself. Is it then true that the English character is at an unexampled height? Are there no other reasons to disprove the assertion! He also objected to the statement," that the British Empire was the envy of the world." What, is her conduct to Ireland the envy of the world? Does the world envy her National Debt, her enormous taxation, her millions of Paupers, her Representation by Rotten Boroughs, her abject Credulity What was there in England for which an American should envy her?-In short, it was impossible that the people of Ireland would ever submit to a petition which contained any expressions save such as were warranted by the strictest truth. Mr. Sheil said, as it was his opinion that England had reached a greater eminence than any other nation had ever attained, and as her glory, her power, and her late mighty efforts, by which the freedom of mankind had been achieved, were naturally the envy of Europe, he thought it was not improper to embody the thought in our Petition. It would have a conciliatory tendency-we had been reproached with a hatred to England, it was right to repel the charge. Such language would have the effect of reconciling animosities, and giving a general aspect of moderation to our proceedings. Mr. O'Gorman and Mr. O'Connell censured the word "influence" as being of an ambiguous nature. It implied that we favoured the influence of the Crown, and sought for nothing but places. Mr. Sheil.-Do you deny that we seek for places? What else do we seek for? We ask for honour-we are shut out from Parliament -we are incapable of reaching this distinction-we are excluded from every situation of rank, at the Bar, in the Army, and in the Navy; and what is the meaning of Emancipation, but that we may be permitted to attain them. Mr. O'Gorman said that we barely asked for eligibility-that there were many who did not wish for election, and would not wish for place, even if place could be attained. Mr. Sheil-It is a strange distinction. You wish to be capable of honourable situations, but not to be elected. The one involves the other. Lord Fingal--Perhaps there is no use in introducing this argument into the Petition. Mr. Sheil-I think, my Lord, that there is great use in introducing it; it is a strong argument; it refutes the assertion of those who say the Catholics wish to subvert the Constitution. In my opinion, Emancipation would make them its stedfast friends, because it would enlist the strongest feelings of human nature in its support. It would infuse into their hearts a true allegiance, by connecting the interests of the individual with those of the Commonwealth. It has been said that Catholics wish for power in a corporate capacity; I deny it, and I wish to shew that Emancipation would disarray and disembody us, by bringing us within the sphere of Constitutional influence and controul. Mr. M'Donnelf was decidedly of opinion, that it was unbecoming to avow such unworthy motives, and the more so as they did not exist. The struggle of the Catholics for their liberties, was not a paltry contention for places or emolument-if it were, they would, indeed, deserve to be rejected—but, in fact, plain men like himself, were out of the reach of the temptation, and they ought not to submit to the imputation, which the petition, thus framed, would throw upon them. What could Government do for him? Just nothing -the law might, indeed, cease to place him in an inferior and degraded class, merely because he worshipped God according to his conscience-that was all the Catholics required-it was not places-nor could places procure true allegiance, as the young gentleman supposed-because the man who was loyal for a place, would be likely to change his allegiance if he could get a better place in safety. No Government could be secure of persons, whose principles flowed only from their interests-and, it was very much to be regretted, that any such topic should have been introduced into the petition. Mr. O'Connell.-It is quite clear that Mr. Sheil has full right to speak for HIMSELF. If a place be HIS OBJECT, he may be allowed to say so-but he must not speak for others, whose object is different. If he cannot understand the difference between looking for places for ourselves, and seeking eligibility for others, he would deserve some compassion and still more, if he does not feel that a man can devote himself to his country's cause, with a total absence of selfishness. After many more objections had been started and discussed, the prayer of the Petition was considered by almost every person present, as ambiguous and insufficient. Mr. O'Connell suggested the substitution of unqualified for entire Emancipation. He also threw out, that as there were so many difficulties to the adoption of Mr. Sheil's Petition, the better and shorter course would be to procure new signatures to the very eloquent and truly liberal Petition which had been preferred last year, and to present that to the House of Parliament. Mr. Sheil.-I object to the word unqualified; I object to Mr. Phillips's Petition; I object to both for the same reason; because they take away from the Legislature all opportunity of making such alteration or ARRANGEMENT IN OUR ECCLESIASTICAL AP POINTMENTS, whether by domestic nomination or otherwise, as may facilitate our Emancipation. They totally negative the adoption of any VETO, however qualified. Mr. O'Connell.-I am rejoiced these sentiments are avowed. It is at least manly.Now these are precisely the reasons why I propose the word unqualified. Why I should support the re-adoption of the Petition, prepared by one of the most highly gifted, and sincerest of Irishmen, that ever livedCharles Phillips-a Petition fraught with the best feelings; expressed in language of the poblest eloquence. I will consent to no Petition, that does not DISTINCTLY disclaim any interference DIRECT or INDIRECT, with our religion, or the discipline of our Church. I do not desire Emancipation, coupled with any such interference; I reject all Emancipation, if any such interference is to acom pany it. Let us remain as we are, rather than to contri bute to a worse slavery, Religious and Temporal. Lord Fingall. I thought we had agreed not to introduce those topics. no ago. Mr. O'Connell.-They will force them selves on us, my Lord, and we should shrink from them. We might have deemed them unnecessary about two months when we were assured-and I, for one, was so assured, on the authority of Doctor Murray, that Quarantotti was disgraced for his ever memorable and infamous interference. But the candour of my young friend is of great service, and shows, that we should not allow our sentiments to be misrepresented. I must now say, that I deem it a sacred duty to place our opinions on this subject beyond any doubt whatsoever; and I FOR EVER disclaim Emancipation otherwise than unqualified and unrestricted. Similar sentiments were avowed by many other Gentlemen; and on this point also Mr. Sheil appeared to stand alone. Mr. O'Gorman then presented the draft of the Cork Petition-It was read, and Mr. it for O'Gorman strongly recommended adoption. He also urged the absolute necessity of allowing note-takers to attend every future meeting, as subjects of such vital interest to the Catholie Body were introduced. by Lord Fingall. It was understood not to Another draft of a Petition was produced have been prepared as had been suggested by Counsellor Bellew. A Sub-committee of five, consisting of Messrs. Sheil, O'Connell, Lube, O'Gorman, and Wise, was then appointed, and all the drafts of the Petitions were referred to it. On the 17th, the Committee again assembled, when Mr. O'Connell stated that the Sub-Committee of five had not agreed to any particular petitioning, but a majority of them had adopted a resolution, which he would propose to the Committee as one fit to be adopted at the aggregate meeting; if the opinion of the Committee was fixed upon the Resolution, there would-be no difficulty in framing the Petition. The only difference was upon the word "unqualified." Mr. O'Connell then read the following Resolution: Resolved. That Mr. Hay be requested to act as Secretary. Resolved. That we do forthwith renew our earnest application by Petition to the Legislature, praying the total and unqualified Repeal of the Penal Statutes, which ag grieve and degrade the Catholics of Ireland, A Draft of the Petition being read. Resolved-That the Petition now read be adopted as the Petition of the Catholics of Ireland. Resolved-That the Earl of Donoughmore House of Lords, and that he be respectfully be requested to present our Petition to the informed, that we deem it of vital impor tance to the honour and interests of the Catholics of Ireland that the merits of their claims should be discussed in the House of Lords at as early a period in the present Session as possible. And also, that this information is given him in order that he may dewith us in opinion with respect to such discline presenting our Petition should he differ rather concede the Veto than die a slave. Mr. N. Mahon expressed himself surprised at the language and principles of Mr. Sheil, and was satisfied that the Catholics of Ireland would never, for any temporal consideration, abandon the religion of their forefathers. It was proved by Messrs. O'Connell, Plunkett, and O'Gorman, proved that the words unqualified and unconditional were used in Resolutions passed at meetings at which Lord Fingall bad presided.-Mr. O'Connell pointed out the inconsistency of refusing to vote for a similar resolution now, and proved most clearly that the secedors were alone accountable for the separation. After a very important and interesting conversation, in which Lord Fingall expressed his disapprobation of the word " unqualified" in any resolution or petition, the question was put, and carried in favour of unqualified emancipation, by a majority of nine to three. The day following, another meeting of the Com-riod in the present Session as possible. And mittee was held, when the Cork Petition was unanimously adopted, to be submitted to the Aggregate Meeting which was to be held on the 24th, at Clarendon-street chapel. cussion. Resolved That the Right Honourable Henry Grattan be requested to present our Petition to the House of Commons, and that he be respectfully informed, that we deem it of vital importance to the honour and interests of the Catholics of Ireland, that the merits of their Claims should be discussed in the House of Commons at as early a pe also, that this information is given him in order that he may decline presenting our Petition, should be differ with us in opinion with respect to such discussion. Resolved. That it is manifestly impossible to petition Parliament with effect, unless some limited number of persons shall either be appointed or voluntarily associate themselves together, for the purposes of preparing the form of procuring signatures to such Petitions, and of transmitting the same, when signed, to our Advocates in Parlia tion of the nature and extent of our grie vances-the mode in which the several Penal Laws operate, directly and indirectly, to our exclusion, and the most practical and effectual provisions for our relief;-and of transacting the other business naturally and necessarily connected with the success of any Petition to Parliament. On the 24th of January, a General Meeting of the Catholics of Ireland was held in Clarendon-street Chapel, Dublin, pursuant to a requisition issued for that purpose. About one o'clock, Lord Fingall entered the Cha-ment, and of giving the necessary informa pel, accompanied by two gentlemen and a little boy. Upon his Lordship being requested to take the Chair, the noble Earl addressed the assembly, in a short speech, in which he complained that the people had broken faith with him in introducing religious matters in their discussions, avowed that his sentiments were in favour of vetoistical arrangements, and declined the honour of presiding at the meeting.His Lordship then left the Chapel amidst the universal hisses of the assembly; after which, Owen O'Connor, Esq. was called to the Chair, when the subsequent Resolutions were passed. Resolved-That as we are from experience fully aware that every means which the ingenuity of very zealous bigotry can suggest, will be resorted to, in order to impede and hinder us claiming success in our Constitutional course of seeking redress by petitioning Parliament, we do not, therefore, and for other reasons sufficiently obvious, deem it expedient to nominate any Committee or number of persons for that purpose; but we Noblemen and Gentlemen, members of the do most earnestly recommend to sueh of the Board of the Catholics of Ireland, as shall be inclined to exert themselves for the attain 1 fast and pray, and chastise their bos dies, and bring them into subjection; they atone, not for their own sins alone, but for the sins of others: they implore the mercy of God for a sinful world; they doubtless entreat the Lord of clemency and love that he will spare his people; that he will deliver the wretched slaves of sin from their thraldom; that he will not visit them with death, but that they may rather be converted and live. If this be the conversion apprehended from them, they may, indeed, be terrible to the powers of darkness; but to every professor of Christianity they ought to be highly valuable. At any rate the Catholic should be grateful for their exertions, and venerate their calling; and, instead of exulting in their overthrow, sbould with heart and soul beseech the God of heaven to protect his servants, and to "preserve every Order of the Church in the profession and practice of Holy Religion." -- I have trespassed, Sir, most grieve ously on your paper, to the prejudice, I fear, of more valuable correspondents, but the subject is of moment, and this may be my last obtrusion. At least I promise to be less prolix in future. With hearty congratulation on the past success of your publication, and wishing it all success in future, I remain, Sir, Yours, &c. F. T. To the Editor of the Orthodox Journal. slippery age of life, and by their instructions have rescued me from many dangers to which I have been since exposed-when I read that they were required to put off their habits-La! Sir, how were my nerves affected?' I was agitated to a degree-I thought I should expire! What can be the cause of all this? Put off their habits! I assure you. And what shall we have next? I suppose Mrs. D's winter and summer calashes, for they resemble the convent veil, will hardly be secure from danger. Well, Sir, I have to tell you, that we are exasperated at the presumption of some folks; we don't know who they are as yet, but L-y S- -n vows she will get to the bottom of it, and shame the authors of the deed. We are going to establish a Board, and I hope, Mr. Orthodox, you will insert our Resolutions. In return, we promise, all of us, to continue our subscription to your excellent Journal. We are in great hopes we shall know the rights of this business: we are convinced we have found a clue that will be of service to us, and it was you that helped us to it. You remember you have informed us more than once, of attempts made to hinder the circulation and sale of your Paper.-There we have it, Sir. Jealousy; depend upon it, Sir, mere Jealousy! The green-eyed monster has taken hold of their minds, has got possession of their hearts, and they sicken at the sight of your success in the cause of Honour and Orthodoxy. But SIR-It does not often happen, II can let you farther into the secret conjecture, that a letter from a female than, perhaps, you are aware of. We hand comes before you soliciting are afraid that this Order that has been admission into your Journal: but issued against the Religious, requiring when a lady, who received her educa- that they should lay aside their relition at a convent, requests to say a gious habits, is all on your account. word in favour of her dear Nuns, IPon honour, we think so: for a gen hope, Sir, nay, I am confident, you tleman of our acquaintance has informnot will deny her the favour she soli-ed us, that your name, EUSEBIUS, cits. When last month I took up means a Religious MAN; and not your Journal, and read in your Epi-having it in their power to hurt you, tome of Monthly Intelligence, that these dear ladies, the friends of my youth and the guardians of my advancing years; who supported me in the they have turned all their rage against the poor, defenceless Religious WOMEN. Well, Sir, don't fear; I can tell you you are a prodigious favourite JYL |