e coming measure of Catholic emancipation. It remarked:--"The state of
Ireland has been the object of his majesty's continued solicitude. His
majesty laments that in that part of the United Kingdom an Association
should still exist which is dangerous to the public peace, and
inconsistent with the spirit of the constitution, which keeps alive
discord and ill-will amongst his majesty's subjects; and which must, if
permitted to continue, effectually obstruct every effort permanently to
improve the condition of Ireland. His majesty confidently relies on
the wisdom and on the support of his parliament; and his majesty feels
assured that you will commit to him such powers as may enable his
majesty to maintain his just authority. His majesty recommends that,
when this essential object shall have been accomplished, you should take
into your deliberate consideration the whole condition of Ireland; and
that you should review the laws which impose civil disabilities on his
majesty's Roman Catholic subjects. You will consider whether the removal
of those disabilities can be effected consistently with the full and
permanent security of our establishments in church and state, with the
maintenance of the reformed religion established by law, and of the
rights and privileges of the bishops and of the clergy of this realm,
and of the churches committed to their charge. These are institutions
which must ever be held sacred in this Protestant kingdom; and which it
is the duty and the determination of his majesty to preserve inviolate.
His majesty most earnestly recommends to you to enter upon the
consideration of a subject of such paramount importance, deeply interest
ing to the best feelings of his people, and involving the tranquillity
and concord of the United Kingdom, with the temper and moderation
which will best ensure the successful issue of your deliberations." The
tendency of this recommendation to parliament was at once perceived by
the advocates of exclusion; and they loudly complained of desertion and
surprise, charging the duke with a perfidious concealment of his designs
till the last moment, and loading Messrs. Peel and Goulbourn with the
most bitter execrations, on account of their supposed apostasy. The
usual addresses, however, were carried without a division.

SUPPRESSION OF THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION.

The first thing to be done was the vindication of the laws: laws which
had been long trampled beneath the feet of