§ The Duke of Cambridgesaid: My Lords, I wish to say a few words to express my hearty concurrence in the Bill which my noble and learned Friend has introduced to your attention. I have had occasion for some time to know the good which persons professing the Jewish religion have done, and particularly with reference to the different charities to which I belong; and I can certainly say that it is to them that we owe a great deal, and that they contribute a very large portion to the funds of all the charities over which I have the honour of presiding. Two of the individuals whose names were mentioned in the speech of my noble and learned Friend on the Woolsack on a former occasion are personally known to myself. One was formerly High Sheriff of the county of Kent, (Mr. Salomons,) and I can bear witness to the good which he has done. Also, there was Sir Moses Montefiore, who, about five years ago, was Sheriff of London; and I must 886 state, in justice to him, what occurred between him and me whilst he held that office. I happened to be requested by the Bishop of Winchester to preside at a meeting for the purpose of increasing the number of churches in that diocese. I went down to Winchester, and I happened to be walking in the garden, when I met Sir Moses Montefiore, who had come down on a very melancholy occasion, to attend the death-bed of a favourite niece. He came up to me, and learning what was the object of the meeting which I was about to attend, he gave me a very handsome sum which he desired me to present. I will not mention what the sum was, for it would be a violation of good taste to do so; but I think it only just to mention his name, and to show that I really feel that we owe a great debt of gratitude to gentlemen professing that persuasion for the good which they have done. I must say, that in that kingdom over which I was placed as Viceroy (Hanover), and in which I resided many years, that I can speak to the care which these persons evince in bringing up the orphans belonging to their persuasion in useful trades, so as to make them worthy members of society. I must at the same time declare that my sentiments of attachment to the church to which I belong can never waver or change; but, whatever toleration can be shown which does not impair the church to which I belong, the Established Church, I shall ever be most ready to support by my vote. I must now return my thanks to your Lordships for the attention with which you have heard me, and I hope you will excuse me for having said so much.
The Lord ChancellorI feel very much gratified at the expression of interest and assent on the part of his Royal Highness to this Bill.
§ Bill read 3a and passed,