Bristol,
manfully refused, and continued to co-operate with Lord Nugent in his
task. In presenting a petition from Bristol against the measures, he
ably advocated them, and declared that if from his conduct he should
forfeit the suffrages of his constituents at the next election, it
should stand on record, as an example to future representatives of
the commons of England, that one man at least had dared to resist the
desires of his constituents when his judgment assured him that they were
wrong. Notwithstanding the petitions and the altered opinion of many
members, the second reading of the two bills was carried by a large
majority. The petitioners, however, were resolute in their opposition
to the measures. They prayed to be heard by counsel, and this being
granted, such was the weight of the pleadings of the close-trade
interest, that the supporters of the bills were compelled to effect
a sort of compromise by which the amount of the benefit conferred on
Ireland was greatly diminished.

BILL FOR THE RELIEF OF THE ROMAN CATHOLICS.

While the measures for benefiting the trade of Ireland were under
discussion, Sir George Saville brought in a bill for the relief of the
Roman Catholics, by repealing certain penalties and disabilities created
by the 10th and 11th of William III., entitled an Act for preventing
the Growth of Popery. The Roman Catholics had recently presented a very
flattering address to his majesty, and the occurrences in America and
the attempts made by the Americans to excite insurrection seem to have
suggested to the minds of ministers the expediency of tranquillizing and
securing the affections of the Irish people. This bill, therefore,
was supported by ministers, and it was carried through the commons
unanimously. The Bishop of Peterborough warmly opposed it in the house
of lords, but the majority of the peers gave it their support, and the
bill passed into a law. By it the subjects of Great Britain professing
the Romish creed were permitted to perform their religious rites, and
were rendered capable of inheriting or purchasing real estates, on
subscribing an oath of allegiance to the king, and disclaiming the
pope's authority over this realm, or his power of absolving its people
from their obligations to the government as by law established. This
dawn of religious freedom has been extolled as one of the greatest
glories of the reign of George III.; but it must be recollected that
this measure