Mr. Youngpresented a Petition from the Presbytery of Monaghan, styled Seceders, praying for an equalization of the classes in their Ministry, and for an augmentation of the stipends of the Presbyterian ministers in Ireland. He most fully concurred in the prayer of the petition, which, he had little doubt, would be supported by all the members for Ireland. He could assure the House generally it was in every way entitled to their consideration, as would appear when he stated some of the facts connected with the petitioners. About December last, a deputation from the Synod waited on the Lord Lieutenant with a petition, which prayed for a bounty to be allowed to sixteen ministers who had distinct congregations, but received no bounty, and to obtain an equalization of that allowed, by augmenting the portion assigned to the lower classes. His Excellency promised to recommend their prayer to the Treasury, and ordered a census to be made of the Seceding congregations, by which it appeared there were nearly 100,000 persons of that persuasion in Ireland. All these persons united in supporting their ministers in this petition. They had just claims to attention, for, throughout all the disturbances and distractions of the country, they had been remarked for good conduct, and peaceable and industrious habits. Their ministers were distinguished by the utmost respectability of character, and for the extensive moral influence they exercised over their flocks, which was uniformly used in promoting good order.
Mr. O'Connellstated, that there was 24 not a better or more loyal set of persons in all Ireland than the petitioners, and he heartily supported their prayer, which, he fully agreed with the hon. member for Cavan, deserved the attention of the House.
Sir Robert Batesonsaid, he most heartily concurred in the remarks made by the hon. Gentleman with respect to the good conduct and deserts of the petitioners, who were justly entitled to the confidence and support of Government. The regium donum paid to the Seceding Church of Ireland was a miserable stipend, which ought to be increased upon every principle of morality and justice, and he was sure such an augmentation would give general satisfaction in the north of Ireland.
§ Petition to be printed.