HC Deb 21 July 1863 vol 172 cc1185-6
MR. VANCE

said, that in moving for the further correspondence which had taken place as to the relative priority of the two capitals of Dublin and Edinburgh, he did not intend to invite discussion on that nice and intricate subject, but before the House adjourned he wished to protest against any weight being given to an opinion—he would not say a decision—emanating from Garter King of Arms. No reference to that functionary had been agreed upon by the Corporation of Dublin, and yet he took upon himself capriciously, and without consideration of documentary evidence, to give what was called "a deliverance"—meaning, he presumed, a hasty judgment. The Corporation of Dublin protested against that decision, and was in a position to assert its right to precedence whenever the proper occasion arose. He concluded by moving an Address to the Crown for copy of any further correspondence between the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Ulster King of Arms, the Home Secretary, and Garter King of Arms, and of any other persons, on the subject of the precedence between the Corporations of Dublin and Edinburgh.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, he would second the Motion. He had never read a more hasty or unsatisfactory decision than that pronounced by Garter King of Arms, who was yet pronounced by the Government to be their only guide upon the point. The question was entirely one of evidence, and the Government ought to suspend its decision till the charters on either side were produced.

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, there would not be the slightest objection to produce the further letter from Ulster King of Arms, which he understood to be the only document that had not yet been published. As to suspending the decision of the Government, there had not yet been any occasion to form a decision; but if the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh should both attend to present addresses to Her Majesty, the matter would not brook delay, but must be settled in favour of one or other.

COLONEL DUNNE

I say in favour of Dublin.

SIR GEORGE GREY

But that would not be suspending the decision.

Address for Copy of any farther Correspondence between the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Ulster King of Arms, the Home Secretary, and Garter King of Arms, and of any other persons, on the subject of the precedence between the Corporations of Dublin and Edinburgh."—(Mr. Vance.)