§ Sir John M. Doylepresented a Petition from the inhabitants of Leighlin Bridge, in the county Carlow, praying that the Yeomanry of Ireland might be disarmed, in which prayer he cordially concurred.
Mr. O'Connellsaid, that he had been requested to support the prayer of the petition, which he was most happy to do. It had been stated by the right hon. Secretary for Ireland, that orders had been given that no more arms should be delivered to Yeomanry corps, but he had been informed, that a recent issue of arms had taken place. He regretted much to hear that, for the greatest disaster that could befal his country would be, the general arming of the Yeomanry.
Mr. Blackneysaid, this petition was signed by both Catholics and Dissenters, who were all most anxious to have its prayer attended to, and such, indeed, was the general wish of the people of Ireland.
§ Mr. Shawhoped the Government would not be induced by these petitions, to disarm the Yeomanry of Ireland, whom he considered to be a most useful body of men. They were the only protection the loyal part of the people had in some districts in Ireland.