The Memoirs, Private and Political, of Daniel O'Connell, Esq., from the Year 1776 to the Close of the Proceedings in Parliament for the Repeal of the Union; Compiled from Official Documents (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836 Excerpt: ... n.nd subscribed in any of the Courts, or before any of the persons above mentioned, shall be of the same force and effect, to 8.11 intents and purposes, as, and shall stand in the place of, all Oaths and Declarations, required or prescribed by any law now in force for the Relief of his Majesty's Roman Catholic Subjects, from any disabilities, incapacities, or penalties." "I'llat is the second portion of the 23d section, and in one mode of punctuation it will bear the meaning I attribute to it However, as there is no punctuation in Acts of Parliament, I shall not trouble the House with any special pleading on particular words; but come to the remaining and distinct portion of the section: --" And the proper Officer of any of the Courts above-mentioned, in which any person professing the Roman Catholic Religion shall demand to take and subscribe the Oath herein appointed and set forth, is hereby authorized and required to administer the said Oath to such person; and such officer shall make, sign, and deliver a certificate, of such oath having been duly taken and subscribed." There is the time, and that time is when it is demanded. The Courts are also specified, viz., the King's Bench, Common Pleas, Exchequer, and Chancery. The time is as universal as the benefit of the Statute was intended to be, and everything is complete for my purpose. The objection vanishes, because the time is as extensive as can be demanded. I have taken that oath in one of the Courts named. I am ready to prove it. I produced the certificate at the table; and having taken that oath, and produced the certificate, I turn round and respectfully ask, why I am not to be allowed to exercise my rights? Let it be remembered that my case cannot be drawn into precedent: it can never occur again; ...