§ Mr. Stricklandpresented a Petition from a Political Union at Leeds, praying for a more extended measure of Reform for Ireland.
Mr. O'Connellcould not let that opportunity pass without expressing his cordial gratitude to the people of Leeds, for that manifestation of their feeling in favour of Ireland. Indeed, he felt grateful to the people of England generally, for to their exertions was to be attributed the concession which had recently been made in the Irish Reform Bill. It was the people of England who compelled his Majesty's Government to make this concession, and he, therefore, felt grateful to them for it. He was not disposed to undervalue the concession which had been made; he felt its importance, and was as ready to acknowledge it as any member of that House. But there was another point which, in justice to Ireland, ought also to be conceded. It would be of the greatest consequence to the people, and it would cost the Government no sacrifice of principle or feeling to grant the boon. What he demanded was, a cheap registry for Ireland. He had often adverted to that point before; he now implored Ministers to listen to his suggestions. Let them generously accede to the wishes of the Irish people upon this point, and he pledged himself he world give up other points, which he intended to press in the Committee. This was not a time to quarrel about forms, for, after all, it was but for the maintenance of a form the Government were contending; but a form, he would say, which would be most injurious in its effects upon the interests of Ireland. Let them, therefore, give way; they had nothing to gain by holding out, and the people had much to lose. He should conclude by expressing his anxious hope that his request would not be made in vain.
§ Petition to lie on the Table.