The Earl of Mansfieldintimated his intention of submitting a motion to their lordships, on the subject of Catholic Emancipation, on the 7th of June; for which day he moved, that their lordships be summoned.
§ Earl Grey roseto put a question to the 572 noble earl, respecting the purport and tendency of his motion. From what passed upon a former night, he did not very distinctly understand with what view the question was to be brought forward. This he did understand, that nothing was more opposite than the sentiments entertained by himself and the noble earl on the subject. Now wishing, as he did, that every thing which took place with regard to that question, might promote its ultimate success, he desired to know what was the object of this motion; and he should also wish, if it was convenient, to be made acquainted with the manner in which it was to be framed.
The Earl of Mansfieldsaid, he was ready to give every explanation in his power; but he must be excused if, at that moment, he was unable to detail precisely the form and object of the motion. However, he was able to say, that it was his wish and intention to lay before their lordships a resolution, declaring, that the country was now in a fit state to express their decided opinion with regard to the exclusion of the Catholics from power, and to say whether that exclusion ought to be abolished, or limited, or maintained, in its present state. He should also propose to them to declare, that they approved of the principle of exclusion, and that they considered it to be founded on, and immutably connected with, the principles of the British constitution. And further, it would be his wish to obtain, by means of this motion, a declaration from the Crown, that would allay the alarms of his majesty's Protestant subjects, by making it known, that it was his majesty's intention to resist any encroachment on the ecclesiastical establishments of the country. This was the purport of his motion, although these would not be the precise words of it. Whether he proceeded or not in this motion, would depend in a great measure, on the opinions of those whom he respected. His own opinions with regard to the policy and propriety of exclusion were (he was obstinate enough to say) likely to remain unchanged; but he should not act upon them alone. The motion he intended to submit, was one which, if it succeeded, would, he thought, be attended with general benefit: if it failed, he knew that ridicule would be attempted to be attached to it. All that ridicule he was himself prepared to submit to; but he should not 573 press the motion, if those for whose opinions he entertained the highest respect should think he ought to defer it; but he should not be prevented from persisting in his motion by any apprehension that by withdrawing it he should be blamed for weakness or indecision.