HC Deb 11 October 1831 vol 8 cc493-5
Mr. Crampton

presented a Petition from Galway, praying for the extension of the franchise of that town to the Catholic inhabitants.

Mr. George Robinson

said, he availed himself of that opportunity, when petitions were presented relating to an alteration of the franchise, to declare, that though he had voted with the majority of last night, he was most anxious to have it understood that, his vote of confidence in the present Government was grounded entirely on the support which they had given to the Reform Bill. There were many points on which he differed from the present Ministry, and on which he must still continue to differ from them; but no man who supported them on all points would go along with them more heartily than he would in supporting the Reform Bill.

Mr. Blackney

Sir, I feel anxious to be identified with my country men in an expression of confidence in the integrity of his Majesty's Ministers, and of gratitude for their great measure of Reform, carried so triumphantly through this House, on the final success of which mainly depend the security of our institutions, and the tranquillity of our country. Sir, although I wish to view the unhappy decision in another place in the most favourable light, yet I cannot divest myself of the impression of there being on the part of those who composed that majority, much of selfish and mercenary feelings. I shall briefly state why I consider the measure of Reform universally popular in Ireland:—Hitherto, as a Magistrate, I have witnessed scenes of oppression, which bound me in sympathy with the more humble, but not less virtuous class of my unfortunate countrymen. Their sufferings, their privations, were truly afflicting—their patience, their submission, although in a manner unbecoming the national character, were yet, under existing circumstances, beyond all praise. Was this an order of things to be endured for ever? Then did his Majesty's Ministers call for the Reform with the sanction of a patriot King. Virtuous men have, in the eleventh hour, wisely and boldly determined to save the country—they took their stand under happy auspices; they depended upon the people, and they have not been deceived. Theirs will be the triumph of virtue and of jus- tice over monopoly and corruption, and the hearts of a grateful nation will be their shield against the taunts and calumnies of an interested Opposition. Carlow, the county which I have the honour to represent, long subject to every species of oppression, did, on the first gleam of liberty, forcibly exhibit in the cause of Reform an enthusiasm which nothing can subdue; for ten days previous to the late election, all country business ceased—a bold, good-humoured mien, so characteristic of Irishmen, was conspicuous. Their motto "The King, the Bill, and the People.'' The game was quickly up. 30,000 people assembled on the first day of the election, free from the slightest tendency to riot or outrage, and had the poll proceeded, we should have had, on the following day, double that number of patriots to witness the triumph of the Reformers. Sir, this is not a statement of public feeling highly coloured, nor is it confined to Carlow; a similar feeling prevails in Kilkenny and Wexford; with these counties I am connected, and as I hold in them his Majesty's Commission of the Peace, am well acquainted with the character of the people, and I am bold to say, that there, as in the adjoining counties of Kildare, the Queen's County, and Tipperary, the spirit is now such, that the constituency would not support any candidate, whatever may be his other qualifications, unless he professed himself a decided Reformer. This being the general feeling in Ireland at this fearful crisis, I conjure his Majesty's Government and this House to conciliate that country, if they value the connexion. Its people wait with breathless anxiety the result of this all-important measure; in its details do them justice, and you ensure their invaluable attachment; treat them after the old fashion, and your tenure is not of value for one year's purchase. A faction in that country has long kept an unseemly position, which, as they cannot much longer maintain, so have they become desperate, and would, in the indulgence of their unhappy prejudices, goad the people to acts of outrage, then take fiend-like advantage of the chaos, even at the risk of being involved themselves in the general ruin. The Reform question has aroused the nation; it should be advanced with decision and confidence. His Majesty's Ministers have nothing to fear; the people of England are all with them, and if they but will it, and treat the empire with common justice, then, indeed, the enemies to freedom may prudently retire. I regret, Sir, to have trespassed so far upon the patience of the House; I feel sensible of its indulgence. Once more I entreat you to be firm and consistent.

Sir Richard Vyvyan

was surprised that his hon. friend (Mr. George Robinson) had deemed it necessary to justify his vote. Last night every body knew he could have no reason to support the Ministers, except to promote the Reform Bill—a reason, by the way, for which he was disposed to oppose them.

Petition to be printed.