§ The Duke of Richmondpresented petitions against the intrusion of ministers on non-consenting parishes, from Inverness, and various other places in Scotland. The noble Duke said, he wished to ask the noble Viscount whether there was any probability of any measure being speedily laid before Parliament, to reconcile the parties who were at variance on this question? He believed that it was almost impossible to describe the feelings of excitement which now prevailed on this subject. All parties were agreed that some enactment was necessary, in order to settle the matter in dispute, and he hoped that, before long, Government would propose such a measure. The feelings of society in general were excited to such an extent on this question, that, if allowed to go on much further, it would be beyond the noble Viscount's power, and, he feared, beyond the power of Parliament to deal with the evil. He wished a measure to be introduced that would satisfy the moderate men of all parties; but, if that were not quickly done, the noble Viscount might find it next to impossible to satisfy any party.
§ Viscount Melbournewas hot ready to state that Government would be able speedily to introduce a measure on this subject, although they were as anxious to do so as the noble Duke. Looking to the interest and importance of the question in dispute, the noble Duke must see, that such a measure ought not to be introduced, without due and mature consideration.
The Earl of Haddingtonsaid, that he entirely concurred in opinion with the noble Duke, that nothing could be more desirable than the introduction of some measure which would, if possible, allay the present unhappy state of excitement which prevailed in Scotland. With respect 801 to the cause which had given birth to that state of excitement, he conceived that rather an incorrect view was entertained by many persons. In his opinion, that agitation arose from the conduct of the commissioners of the General Assembly, in suspending from the performance of all their duties, and taking from them the power of performing those duties, the whole of the clergy, who had determined' to obey the law of the land, as recognised by their Lordships. It did not originate in the interference of the courts; and they ought to extend protection to those who were willing to pay obedience to the law of the land. He knew that a very strong feeling prevailed on this subject, and something ought to be done, to put a period to such an unhappy state of things.
The Earl of Mintothought it was advisable not to go into the merits of the question until some measure connected with it came regularly before their Lordships.
§ The Earl of Gallowaysaid, he was sure his noble Friend did not wish to enter into the merits of the question. He believed that what his noble Friend said, and all the anxiety which he had manifested, arose from the great tardiness which Government had manifested in doing their duty.
Lord Kinnairdsaid, that in his opinion, Ministers were quite right in not acting precipitately on such a question.
§ The Earl of Aberdeendid not agree with his noble Friend (the Earl of Haddington) as to the cause in which the agitation, now prevalent in Scotland, originated.
§ Petitions laid on the table.