Mr. Ogle for it; Colonel Browne and Mr.O'Neil against it; Mr.Robert French for it; Mr. Prime Serjeant, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Sheil, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Scott, Mr. Serjeant Dennis, Mr. Hellen, Mr. James Browne and Col. Burton against it; who were anfwered by Mr. Barry, Mr. Ponsonby, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Huffey, Sir Edward Newenham, and Mr. Brownlow.

The whole point in debate was, whether this was or was not a bill of fupply, in which cafe all agreed the engroffed bill ought to have been fent down. It was frequently urged that the expence incurred by the nation, in confequence of this bill was very inconfiderable, not above Col, a year; to which Mr. Huffey very judicioufly answered, that the point of a wedge was but small, but if fuffered to be once introduced it would make its way, and rend the most knotty and best compacted oak.

Sir Edward Newenham, concluded thus, that he hoped the commons of Ireland would not betray the trust repofed in them, nor give up their privileges to humour the whim of a tontine adminiftra

tion.

Every gentleman who spoke paid juft compliments to the fpeaker, and gave proper commendation to his laudable jealoufy for the privileges of the house; his opinion was repeatedly called for, and when he rose to give it, the house washufhed to the muteft attention; each fat with expectation, and filent hopes that his words would confirm what they had faid. He was indeed in a moft critical fituation, fure of offending all by his filence; and certain of difpleafing many, which fide foever he might take, but he nobly difdained all fear, refolved to do what he thought his duty to his country, and to the house, and undauntedly deliver his honeft fentiments, which he did to the following purport:

"Gentlemen,

"As I have already declared my fentiments on this fubject, it may be thought proper that I fhould mention them at prefent; nay, it is peculiarly incumbent up on me at present, for should I at this time remain filent, it may be thought, either that I have fervilely changed my opinion, or that I was pufillanimous and wanted fortitude enough to declare it. I think, Gentlemen, I am void of all prejudice or partiality in this question, but one; that one partiality I confefs, and fhall not blush to own: It is a partiality to the privileges of this houfe; I acknow

་

ledge I cannot avoid entertaining a jealoufy of the leaft infringement thereof. "I have examined with the utmoft diligence in my power, and as far as my poor abilities would permit. I have littened with the greatest attention to all that has been faid in the course of this very long debate; and, upon the whole, I am clearly of opinion, that this is a bill of fupply.

"The intereft of 6 per cent to all who voluntarily fubfcribe to raising the fum of 265,000, is provided for by an act already paft; for this we have juftly received the King's thanks. But it was found that the first Tontine bill was ineffectual, and a farther encouragement to English subscribers was found neceffary to have its effect; this is provided for by the bill now before us; and an additional expence is incurred, which is to be paid out of that furplus of local duties, exprefly enacted to be at the difpofal of Parliament. This is furely a freth grant and deferves freih thanks. Out of this furplus the former intereft of 6 per cent was granted: out of this furplus soool. a year was granted to the Dublin Society; and the remaining furplus, be it what it may, is leffened by this bill. I own it is but a small part, but still it is a part of the publick money, which this house alone had a right to dif pofe of. Nay, I may fay, the most material part, fince that alone made the former effectual. It pays the charge of remittance and courfe of Exchange. It grants fomething to the crown; it takes fomething from the publick; and therefore a bill of fupply, which, by the mode of Parliament, ought to be deemed a free gift of the people, and received as fuch by the crown, with every usual formality."

Colonel Blaquiere, who had hitherto reserved himself, now arose, and declared his opinion, that the bill was not a bill of fupply. The question was about to be put, when Mr. O'Neil defired to be heard a few words. He faid he had, in the former part of the debate, spoken his opinion, that the bill was not a bill of fupply, and that this motion ought not to be carried; but now he arose to declare that his doubts were removed, and was thoroughly convinced by the arguments of Mr.Speaker,that he had been wrong, and he should therefore retract his opinion and vote for the motion.

This ingenuous proceeding of Mr. O'Neil, did him the highest honour, and fully proved his good fense, candour and independence.

It

It was then paft ten o'clock, the queftion was put, and the house divided, Ayes 63 Noes 100

Majority 37 against the motion. Monday, March 7.] Heads of a bill for enforcing a due execution of the laws relative to turnpike roads, went through a committee, was reported by Dr. Clement, and fent up to the Lord Lieutenant by Mr. Fitzgibbons. "Heads of a bill for the better regulation of the linen and hempen manufactures were prefent ed by Mr. Fortefcue; "heads of a bill for quieting the title and poffeffions of his majetty's fubjects in this kingdom," were prefented by Mr. Mafon; both which were read and committed; as were also heads of a bill to enable his majesty's fubjects, of whatever perfuafion, to teftify their allegiance to him.

The commons were then fent for to the bar of the house of lords, when his excelLency gave the royal affent to, "An act to explain and amend an a& passed in this feffion of parliament, entitled an act for granting annuities in the manner therein provided, to fuch perfons as fhall voluntarily fubfcribe towards raifing a fum not exceeding the fum of 265,000l.

The house then went into a committe, Mr. Mafon in the chair, on the removal of the custom-house, and heard the pleadings of Meffrs. Kelly and Yelverton, council for the measure, and Sir Samuel Bradstreet and Mr. Ratcliffe, council against it, which lasted till seven o'clock. Mr. Beresford expatiated on the ruinous flate of the prefent custom house; (which was allowed on all hands ought to be re-built) its inconvenient fituation; the bad lying for fhips before it; the fmuggling encouraged by the fmallness of the quay, and the impoffibility of making it fufficiently large and convenient for the business of either trade or revenue. He then moved to come to the following refolution :

ought to put up an inscription that that ground was given to the jecretary in gratitude for the Stamp-a&t.

Mr. George Ogle continued the oppofition, he thought fuch a removal was intended only for the advantage and con→ venience of certain individuals; but he thought the merchants ought to have the preference, and they, to a man, had all petitioned against it. They were the best judges, what was molt convenient to trade, and their opinion ought to be re fpected and attended to: and not flighted, especially when going contrary to their advice, would be an abfolute robbe. ry of private property.

Captain Jephfon defended the measure, and faid the petition of the merchants was a proof of their regard to felf-intereft, which wanted to continue to a part of the city an accidental advantage, in which the eastern inhabitants had an equal right to fhare. It was just like the barbers of London, who, about ten years ago, petitioned his Majefty to cut off his hair, that the fashion of wearing perriwigs might be more univerfal; fo that the merchants of Dublin would have the tail and fide locks of the city cut off, and only a little tuft, about Effex-street, kept for their private emolument.

Mr. Medmond Morres fpoke next against removing the custom-house, as it would induce a great expence, which might be avoided by rebuilding on the prefent fcite, and the rift of rocks would be taken away without any charge to the crown; for the ballaft-office had laft night resolved to remove it, and the merchants would give fecurity to compleat what the ballast-office migh leave deficient.

Mr. Agar, Mr. O'Hara, and Mr. Shiel, each defended the measure, urging that the ballaft office had fhewn a great want of duty in not removing those rocks fooner, which if fo practicable, they ought to have done. That all this private property fo urged, was merely the effect of a cafual fituation, and had no foundation in law; that the people of the east had the fame right to fuch accidental advantages, that no merchants had built nor dwelt in Effex-ftreet, on account of the custom-house; and, that out of 479 merchants of this city, only 209 lived about Effex-bridge, whilft 170 live Eaft and North of it.

Mr. Ponfonby replied, and said he was authorised to propofe a compromife; that if the friends of this measure would agree that the cuftom house should be rebuilt, on the prefent fcite, the city and

merchants

merchants would build a draw-bridge from the end of Anglefea-ftreet, for the convenience of the nobility and gentry in the new buildings.

This propofal was immediately caught up by Mr. Scot, who faid, now the felfintereft of the petitioners was made manifeft; the great clamour against the removal of the custom-houfe was chiefly founded on the probability of its inducing a bridge, which they faid would be the ruin of thousands; and now they offer that very ruinous meafure, if their private conveniency can be fecured, by continuing the custom houfe on its prefent fcite. Colonel Burton faid that the king had an undoubted right to build his customhoufe where he thought molt fitting for

the business of the revenue. That its prefent fituation was narrow and inconvenient, and a dangerous place for fhips on the proposed addition to it, which, after all the expence and labour imaginable, would be ftill a bed of rocks. That though the city would give the ground, yet a large range of houses was on it, let on leafes, of which thirty fix years were to come, and their time must be bought off at a large expence. That the ground for the intended cuftom-houfe was the king's own; and but one houfe thereon to be purchafed; and that those who were fo tender for the poor fhould confider the three ferries were a tax of 1500l. a year on the lower clafs of people, from which a new bridge would deliver them.

Mr. Graydon continued the oppofition to the measure, and moved to amend the original motion, by adding to it these words: Unless the ground between the prefent custom houfe and Temple-lane can be procured and added to it; and the bed of the river fo cleared as to be fafe and convenient."

The committee divided on the amend ment,

words: "As the fame will convey to pofterity a remembrance of the candour and humanity of the prefent adminiftration in forwarding more emigrations."

This amendment was foon withdrawn, and Mr. Ogle propofed the following: "As it will prove the candour of adminiflration, and the wifdom of parliament." This paffed in the negative, and the main question being put, was carried in the affirmative.

About a quarter paft eleven the fpeaker took the chair, the refolutions were confirmed, and ordered to the Lord Lieutenant as the advice of the house. (To be continued)

To the Editor of the Hibernian Magazine.

A

SIR,

Sit may be acceptable to your readers to know particularly the nature of the Society effablished in the city of Cork, for the relief of perfons confined. for fmall debts, and be the means of encouraging fomething of the fame kind in this metropolis, I fend you a fhort abftract of the motives which gave rife to this excellent establishment, and of the fcheme and rules by which it is conducted.

This inftitution (the firft of the kind in this kingdom) was fet on foot last summer by Mr. SHEARES, a banker, in that city; a gentleman of extenfive humanity and known abilities, who, by circulating the benevolent hints contained in the following paper, was fortunate enough to turn the attention of the public to this excellent charity, and lay the foundation of the Society. He was zealously seconded in his attempt by the Reverend Doctor PIGOTT, who entered warmly into the fcheme, and undertook the laborious office of fecretary, which he continues to execute with the ftrictest affiduity and moft benevolent perfeverance. By his perfonal attention to the itate of the goals, a total change of manners has been wrought among the prifoners, and cleanlinefs and decency have become as confpicuous as the reverse was before.

In addition to the following account of this fociety I beg leave to inform you that from the 13th of July last to the 13th of this month (April) more than SEVENTY poor wretches have been relieved by this inftitution from the depths of mifery, and all the complicated horrors of loathfome confinement, by which at the fame time, above Two HUNDRED AND FORTY children (befides wives, and other poor dependant relations) have had thofe restored to them from

whofe

whose labour they derive their bread, and the community has been enriched by the replacing of many useful and induftrious members. This number will appear the greater, when it is confidered that no perfon is relieved until after the moft minute, and accurate enquiry into their characters, and the circumftances of their cafe, which mult neceffarily require a good deal of time and trouble.

One farther article of information I mutt add. This benevolent fociety have carried their purpose to its utmost length, by fupplying fuch poor beings as they cannot releafe, with food, coals, and every other alleviation of their miferies. They have alfo fecured them against all feverity from their keepers, by allowing the feveral goalers and turnkeys fuch a reward for their humanity (in an authenticated report from the prifoners difcharged) as is much more than equivalent to any emoluments that could arife to them from severity or oppreffion.

I heartily hope this fketch will give the hint to some spirited and humane gentlemen among ourselves, and produce a fubftantial benefit to numbers of our wretched fellow beings. I am, Sir,

your most humble fervant,
E. D.

Dominick-ftreet,

20th of April, 1775.

An Account of the Inflitution, &c. has long been the wifh of every humane mind that the security of commercial intercourfe could be preserved without the cruel expedient of imprisonment for debt. Many able writers of our own nation have warmly contended for fuch a poffibility, and have urged very plaufible arguments in fupport of their opinion. Whether fo defirable a reformation be practicable or not, I fhall not fet about to enquire. Even though it were, the difficulties would be too embarraffing and the prejudices against it too ftrong, to allow us the hope of feeing it accomplished. Humanity has however a refource of which the law cannot deprive it. Though it cannot repeal the severity of the inftitution, it can mitigate the effects,and extend to wretched individuals that relief which the rigour of a general penalty denies them. And furely, in all the regions of dittress, the heart that feels for its fellow beings cannot find an object more worthy of its attention. A fingular fpecies of mifery, which, after loading the fufferer with

every accumulated evil, hides him from the eye of pity, and fhuts him from the opportunities of relief.

"I am afraid." fays that excellent moralift, JOHNSON, "That those who are best acquainted with the state of our prifons, will confefs that my conjecture is too near the truth, when I fuppose that the corrosion of resentment, the heavinefs of forrow, the corruption of confined air, the want of exercise, and fometimes of food, the contagion of difeafes from which there is no retreat, and the severity of tyrants against whom there can be no refiftance, with all the complicated horrors of a prison, put an end every year to the life of one in four of thofe that are shut up from the common comforts of human life.

"Thus perish yearly some thousands, everborne with forrow, confumed by famine, or putrified by filth; many of them in the moft vigorous and useful part of life; for the thoughtless and imprudent are commonly young, and the active and bufy are feldom old.

"The mifery of goals," continues he is not half their evil; they are filled with every corruption which poverty and wickedness can generate between them; with all the fhameless and profligate enormities that can be produced by the impudence of ignominy, the rage of want, and the malignity of defpair. In a prifon the awe of the public eye is loft, and the power of the law is fpent, there are few fears, there are no blushes, The lewd inflame the lewd, the audacious harden the audacious. Every one fortifies himself as he can against his own fenfibility, endeavours to practise on others the arts which are practifed on himself, and gains the kindness of his associates by a fimilitude of manners."

In this horrid fituation there are numbers at this moment among ourselves. Many a poor man, whom imprudence or ill-fortune has brought to thofe receptacles of mifery, from his own little dwelling, where he had lived with innocence, though in poverty, becomes in a very fhort time corrupted by that contagious profligacy, which may be strictly called THE GOAL DISTEMPER, and lofes every good quality that makes him of any value either to his family or to fooiety. To redeem such wretches is therefore to fa ve foul as well as body from the dan¬ ger of destruction.

In a country like ours, remarkable for hofpitality to ftrangers and fociability NOTE. *Idler, No. 39.

among