§ Mr. Wilson Pattenbrought up the third Report of the Select Committee on Orange Lodges, and in moving that it be printed said, that the Committee had, in obedience to the wish expressed by the House, when the Motion of the hon. Member for Middlesex was adjourned to enable the Committee to receive further evidence upon particular facts, called two or three witnesses before them, amongst whom was the Adjutant-General of the Forces, who had been examined that day. He (Mr. Patten) had also to state, that he had received a letter on the subject from his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. That letter the Committee had added to their Report, in order that it might be printed and in the hands of hon. Members, as early as Monday morning, which would be much sooner than the whole of the evidence could be printed.
§ Mr. Humeinquired whether it was the intention of the Committee to continue their inquiries, or whether this was a final Report.
§ Mr. Wilson Pattensaid, that the case on both sides was now considered to be closed, and that the Committee did not 111 contemplate making any Report, but intended to content themselves with laying the whole of the evidence on the Table, and thus leave the matter in the hands of the House.
§ Mr. HumePerhaps the hon. Member can inform me whether the inquiry has been limited to Ireland, or whether it has included the Orange Lodges in England?
§ Mr. Wilson PattenThey were thought to be distinct subjects. The existence of Orange Lodges in Ireland was the subject referred to the Committee.
Mr. WallaceI have two questions to put to the hon. Member—first, whether any questions were asked as to the Orange Lodges in Scotland, and who was their Grand Master?—and, second, whether it is true that there are officers in the army who are members of Orange Lodges?
§ Mr. Wilson PattenI do not know whether the Duke of Cumberland, under the words Imperial Grand Master, is to be considered Grand Master of the Orange Lodges of the empire; but I cannot call to mind that any particular evidence was taken regarding Orange Lodges in Scotland. As to the question whether any officers are members, I think there appear among the officers of the institution gentlemen who are in the army. The Grand Treasurer is, I believe, an officer in the army. I do not know whether he holds a commission now, but he was in the army.
Mr. WallaceI beg to know if there is any objection to publishing the names of the officers, that we may have them before Monday? Officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates will then be on the same footing.
§ Mr. FinchI rise to correct a mistake; there is no proof of officers being in connexion with Lodges, whether on half or on full pay.
Mr. Wallacewas about to speak again, when he was informed by the Speaker that there was no Question before the House.
§ The subject was dropped.