§ Mr. W. Smith O'Briengave notice that when the hon. Member for Ipswich brought forward his motion relative to the repeal agitation in Ireland, he would move the following amendment:—
1. That on the 29th of April, 1834, this House did agree to an address to his late Majesty, which address concluded with the following paragraph:—' In expressing to your Majesty our resolution to maintain the Legislative union inviolate, we humbly beg leave to assure your Majesty that we shall persevere in applying our best attention to the removal of all just causes of complaint, and to the promotion of all well-considered measures of improvement.'2. That it is incumbent on this House to inquire whether the increasing disposition which has been recently evinced to seek a domestic Legislature for Ireland may not be traced to a neglect on the part of Parliament adequately to fulfil the pledge then solemnly recorded; to its indisposition to listen to the well founded complaints of the Irish people; to the tardiness and reluctance with which it has acceded to measures acceptable to them; and to the overbearing, exclusive, and anti-national spirit in which the affairs of Ireland have been administered.3. That this House will apply itself to an early consideration of measures calculated to soothe national animosities, to obliterate the distinctions founded upon a difference of religion, and to consolidate the union of the two kingdoms by the bonds of common rights, equal laws, and international justice.
§ Mr. Lefroywished to ask the noble Lord the Secretary for Ireland a question relative to the meetings which were held in different parts of Ireland, to agitate the repeal question. He would ask the noble Lord whether he considered these meetings legal or illegal, and whether her Majesty's 1028 Government were prepared to take any measures to put an end to that agitation?
§ Lord Eliotcould assure his hon. Friend that the subject he had mentioned had attracted the anxious attention of her Majesty's Government. That the meetings of which his hon. Friend had spoken, and the agitation of the repeal question disturbed that tranquillity which was essential to the prosperity of the country, was not at all subject to doubt. The Government, he could assure his hon. Friend, would employ all the power which belonged to the executive Government to preserve the peace and protect the property of all her Majesty's subjects.