§ Mr. Hume, in presenting three petitions from the county of Cavan, praying for Catholic Emancipation, took occasion to enlarge upon the folly of continuing the distinctions which arise from religious opinions.
§ Sir John Brydgescondemned the practice indulged in by hon. gentlemen, of haranguing upon the subject of every petition they presented to the House.
§ Mr. Calcraftsaid, he had seen many useful measures carried, and many injurious acts got rid of, by means of the harangues of which the hon. member complained.
Mr. Wallaceaddressed the House for the first time. He said it was desirable that the fullest information should be given on every subject connected with the distresses of Ireland, and the manifold evils which grew out of those distresses. Things could not go on in the way in which they now were in Ireland; and every occasion should be taken both "in season and out of season," of expatiating on the wrongs of that country, and the urgent necessity of redressing them. He could not, therefore, concur in the observation of the hon. baronet, that these petitions should be presented in silence. 572 The presentation of petitions was a proper and constitutional one for expressing the opinions of members on the subjects to which they referred. If the House was not reminded of the evils complained of, they might forget them. The mere laying of petitions on the table could answer no beneficial purpose.