§ Mr. Fox ,previous to bringing up this Petition, addressed the house, and said, that he 110 never rose with more satisfaction in the whole course of his life, than at this present moment, in being the instrument of presenting the Irish Catholic Petition to that house of parliament. Whatever might be the discussion which the subject of this petition was likely to give rise to, he was convinced it would afford a most satisfactory proof to every feeling mind, that the great body of Catholics in Ireland had to complain of numerous grievances, and that they meant to adopt the moss respectful manner of procuring redress, by this humble application to parliament. He did not think that the present would be a proper time to make any further observations upon the subject, and he should therefore only move for leave to bring up the petition. He then stated shortly the substance of the petition;. and leave being given to bring it up, Mr. Fox appeared at the bar, and brought up the petition, which was then read by the clerk (see p. 97). After it was read, Mr. Fox moved that the petition do lie on the table. On this motion being put from the chair,
§ Mr. Cartwrightrose. He said it was not his intention on that occasion to enter into the merits of the question, but he could not help expressing his regret, that the subject of the petition was likely to be brought to a discussion under the present circumstances of the country. Much as he lamented what did pass upon the subject not long since, and much as he lamented the importance attached at that time to the immediate concession of the privileges withheld from the Catholics, he was in hopes no further steps would have been taken to accomplish that object, till at least there was some reason to suppose no insurmountable difficulties stood in the way of its attainment; and he could not help expressing his surprize, that the advocates for these concessions should be so anxious for a discussion, knowing as they do all the circumstances of the case, and the certainty of no success. He could not comprehend the policy or patriotism of creating a discussion, if not likely to go further, and of thus unseasonably agitating a subject of such general expectation and importance, on which the feelings of the inhabitants of Ireland were so unhappily alive, and which may lead to no small fermentation and disturbance in that country.
§ Mr. Foxsaid, that the hon. member had alluded to an insurmountable obstacle; but what that obstacle was, the hon. gent. 111 had not mentioned. He should wait to hear, upon the discussion of the measure to which the petition referred, what the nature of that obstacle was, and then he should take occasion to state his opinion respecting it. At present he should only say, that it was his intention to appoint a day for the discussion of a proposition founded on the petition. From information received, he understood that the Irish members were for the most part at present in Ireland, upon the business of the assizes, and that they could not conveniently return for some time. It was his wish to fix upon as early a day as possible; he should mention the 9th of May, but in the course of the ensuing week he should be able to state the precise day.
Dr. Duigenanurged the propriety of ascertaining with precision the day on which the motion of the hon. gent. would be brought forward, and hoped he would positively fix on the 9th of May for that purpose.
§ Mr. Foxhad no objection whatever to that day himself, but until he had consulted those who were more immediately interested, he did not feel entitled to say that that should certainly be the day on which he would make his motion.—Adjourned.