§ On the motion of Sir F. Burdett, Mr. Spring Rice brought up the Report of the Committee of the whole House upon the Roman Catholic Claims. The resolution being read,
§ Sir John Brydgessaid, he felt deeply impressed with the importance of the subject, and he should feel it a great dereliction of duty if he were not to use every means in his power to oppose the progress of the measure. He believed that so far from what was called Catholic Emancipation being a subject of such deep interest with the Irish, if he were to travel through Ireland with emancipation in one hand, and a sovereign in the other, he should scarcely find a man that would not take the money in preference to the boasted panacea.
§ On the motion, that the resolution be read a second time,
Mr. Secretary Peelsaid, that the resolution was the same as had been passed on the preceding night, after three days' debate, and he did not mean to say that the subject had not been fully discussed. He rose merely for the purpose of tendering his formal dissent from the measure; and, with reference to the course to be pursued, he trusted the hon. baronet would, at least, give the House some time to consider this very important part of the question.
Sir F. Burdettsaid, he was not aware 681 what time was wanted by the right hon. gentleman, and, but for his request of delay, he should have followed up the vote of last night by the resolution he held in his hand, which merely went to say, that the resolution of the preceding evening should be communicated to the House of Lords, and a conference requested; or some words to that effect. He had no objection, however, to postpone the proceedings, if the right hon. gentleman would name some specific time.
§ After a short conversation, sir F. Burdett gave notice, that he would on Friday move, "That the Resolution agreed to by the House on the subject of the laws relating to Roman Catholics be communicated to the Lords at a Conference; and that their Lordships concurrence be desired thereto."