Mr. Dillonrose for the purpose of putting a question to the right hon. gent. opposite (Mr. Fox), with a view to learn the future intentions of that right hon, gent. with respect to the claims of a large portion of his majesty's subjects in Ireland. In doing this, he was not actuated by any wish to embarrass his majesty's ministers, or by motives of idle curiosity. Rumours had gone abroad of a very extraordinary change of sentiments having taken place in certain quarters, on the subject of the claims of the catholics of Ireland. It was also rumoured, that the great body of the catholics had acquiesced in this change of opi- 405 nion. It was of the utmost importance to the tranquillity of Ireland that this subject should be set at rest one way or the other, and he trusted the right hon. gent. would relieve him front his suspense on the subject.
Mr. Secretary Foxspoke to the following effect: Really the question of the hon. gent. is so extremely vague that I cannot pretend to answer it, for I confess that I do not distinctly understand it. The hon. gent. has talked of some rumours afloat as to an alteration of opinion respecting the catholics, among those who formerly supported them; but as I do not know to whom he alludes, I cannot give him a precise answer. But with regard to the rumour that the catholic body have acquiesced in the reported alteration respecting their claims, I should rather ask the hon. gent. himself upon that point. So far as I am concerned in this question, whenever it conies under discussion, I shall he perfectly ready to state my opinion, and all I think it necessary to say as to my future conduct is to refer to a consideration of my past. I cannot, however, hesitate to state, that if any gentleman were to ask my advice as to the propriety of bringing forward the catholic claims at present, I should recommend him to take into consideration the prospect of success, and the greater probability of succeeding this year or the next; at the same time to bear in mind the issue of last year's discussion. In the part which I took upon that occasion, I was actuated by the strongest sense of duty—but at present I do not feel myself obliged to say any thing more upon the subject.