MEDITATION. ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR. Another year is flown,-another stream Have we gained no experience? Have the days Come then my thoughts, come ye to judgment now, How have we struggled with our restless foes? Yet may we profit by the past :--and by F. C. H. MONTHLY INTELLIGENCE. At a Special Meeting of the Committee of the Society for the Relief of the Aged Poor, held at Mr. Vose's, Serle Street, on Wednesday, August 4, 1824 present, the Right Reverend Dr. Poynter, Patron and President, in the Chair; Rev. J. J. Morel, J. Piquot, Abbe Voyaux de Franous, T. Weld, Vice-presidents; Messrs. Humphris, White, Low, Christian, Watkins, Allan, Holland, Vose, Richardson, and Eldred; It was resolved unanimously, That it is highly desirable that places of habitation in the nature of Alms. houses be established or provided for the most distressed and destitute of the Aged Catholic poor Pensioners of this Charity. That in furtherance of this great object, and for the purpose of carrying the same into effect, a Circular Letter be prepared and sent to the Catholic Nobility, Clergy, Gentry, and others, requesting their generous contributions to meet the expenses of providing such an establishment, and their annual subscriptions towards its support. That with the same view, a Committee, consisting of twenty-one members, including the Treasurer and Secretary, be appointed from amongst the Committee, quarterly members, and subscribers of this Charity, to personally solicit Donations and Subscriptions for the above purpose, and that such Sub-committee when appointed, be empowered to add from time to time to their number, as to them shall seem meet, and that five members of such sub-committee shall form a quorum. That the gentlemen present be appointed members of such sub-committee, and requested to accept such office, and that they do meet and elect the remaining members necessary to complete such sub-committee. To the Catholic Nobility, That all monies collected for the purposes contemplated by this Meeting, be from time to time on or before the last Wednesday in every month, paid into the Banking-house of Messrs. Wright and Co. in the name of the Right Rev. Dr. Poynter, to be there carried to the credit of an account entitled, "The Right Rev. Dr. Poynter, for aged Poors' Alms-houses." That the Sub-committee do keep minutes of the proceedings, and that the same, together with an account of their receipts and expenditure be laid by the Secretary before the General Committee of the Charity, at every Quarterly Meeting, for the purpose of being examined and audited, and that the same be then examined and audited accordingly; but that no gentleman of the General Committee, be qualified to give his vote in the passing of such account, who for the time being shall be a member of the subcommittee. That when and so soon as in the judgment of the General Committee, an adequate sum shall be subscribed for the purposes of this Meeting, a general meeting of the Committee, quartely members and subscribers shall be called, the state of the accounts laid before them, a full report of proceedings made, and such resolutions adopted, for the purpose of carrying fully into effect the object of this meeting, as may be then deemed advisable and proper. That a copy of the Resolutions passed at this Meeting be transmitted with the Circulars, to the Catholic public, and be inserted in such Newspapers and other Periodicals as the Sub-committee shall think adviseable. By order of the Committee, J. W. ELDRED, Hon. Sec. Symonds Inn, Nov. 1824. Clergy, Gentry, &c. &c. At a Meeting of the Committee of the Society for the relief of the aged Poor; held at the House of Mr. Vose, Serle Street, on the 4th of Aug. 1824.-The Right Rev. Dr. Poynter, Patron and President, in the Chair. It was Resolved unanimously, "That it is highly desirable that places of habitation in the nature of Alms houses, be established or provided for the most distressed and destitute of the aged Catholic poor pensioners of this Society." Feeling, as do the Committee appointed to manage the affairs of the Society of the aged Poor, the necessity of adopting the above resolution, they venture with confidence to offer it to the Catholic Public; earnestly imploring its aid and support to enable them to put it into execution. The sanction and cordial approbation of the Right Reverend the Vicar Apostolic of this district, his Coadjutor, and many distinguished Members of the Catholic body, both Clergy and Laity embolden them in their appeal. Well are the Committee aware that scarcely a day passes over in which Charity does not make numerous applications to the feelings of the Community; this however they ardently hope will not be offered as any bar to their exertions; being fully confident that none perhaps more claims attention, none more deserves care, or calls louder for support, than that which is now offered to the Public. To do good is at all times the most pleasing and delightful occupation of the human heart:-an occupation, prompted by nature, supported by reason, and commanded by religion. Long has it been in the contemplation of the Committee of the aged Poor, to provide for the objects of their fostering care, not merely that scanty pittance which is now supplied as the alleviation of their wants; but places of abode, in which their aged and woe-worn limbs might find a secure and comfortable repose. The necessity of such a step, no one it is presumed, will attempt to deny, when they consider that many of the pensioners of this charity are crowded in narrow lanes and foul alleys, in damp cellars and naked garrets of ruinous houses. As soon as sufficient shall have been collected, the Committee intend procuring a suitable situation, pledging themselves that every regard shall be paid to utility, convenience, and economy. To nurture the tender mind of the infant child, to instil generous and Christian like ideas into the heart of the youth, to provide the means of employment for the man, are actions which each one laying claim to the name of Christian is desirous of performing. We are all anxious to wipe away the tear from the suffering eye; to carry the cheering light of happiness into the gloomy mansions of despondency, and smoothen the pillow of distress; but if these actions are at any time deserving of our attention, or appear laudable in our eyes, how is their value enhanced when the objects of them are the poor, the aged, the infirm, the nerveless, the strengthless; those who in the full tide of health and vigour of life, bore the heat and burthen of the day; but who now, from poverty, distress, and other accidents incidental to humanity, can no longer do that, to which their hearts prompt them. The friends who have hitherto supported the Aged Poor, are looked to with confidence upon this occasion, for their contributions. Those to whom the Society has not already been known, are humbly solicited to view the object now in contemplation; and can hearts be found amongst them so obdurate as to refuse? All are implored to do an action which will gain them not only the blessings and prayers of their poor brethren, but a reward exceedingly great hereafter. If more be wanting, let the Public look to the Alms-houses now existing in this Metropolis, and let them say, do not their hearts glow with admiration at the sight of the good which is effected by them? are they not emulous of imitating those who are now numbered with the dead; and procuring for themselves the glorious appendage to their name of being the friend and supporter of the poor, the infirm, and the aged? A title which, when time is about to cease and eternity commence, will confer on them more true peace and gladness of heart than riches, honours, and dignities. Confident that this appeal will not be in vain, the Committee apply to their friends; hoping that that liberal spirit which has hitherto marked the Public, will not now be wanting. Let them bear in mind the objects for whose benefit these Alms-houses are intended to be raised-the aged--the decripit—the infirm -those who, unable to assist themselves, cry out to us in the words of holy Job, "Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you, my friends; for the hand of the Lord has touched me.' * * Subscriptions and Donations, however trifling, will be thankfully received and gratefully acknowledged by the Right Reverend the Patron and President, 4, Castle Street, Holborn; the Reverend the Vice-Presidents; the Gentlemen of the Sub-Committee; the Treasurer, Mr. Vose, 10, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inu; Messrs. Wright and Co. Bankers, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden; and by the Secretary, 8, Symonds Inn. J. W. ELDRED, Hon. Sec. DEPUTATION TO ENGLAND--Mr. David Lynch presented the following Report from the Committee, and moved, seconded by Mr. Conway, that its suggestions should be carried into effect. That it be recommended to the Association to resolve that a deputation do proceed to England for the following purposes:~~ 1st. To visit the Catholic Association in Liverpool, and such other Catholic Association as they deem meet, on their way to London. 2d. To endeavour to concert, as well with the Country as the London Catholic Associations, the means as well of bringing the Catholic Question before Parliament in the most advantageous manner, as of laying before the English people the sufferings and merits of the Catholics of Ireland. 3d. That Messrs. O'Connell, Shiel, and Bric be requested to form such deputation--and that Mr. Bric do take the duty of Secretary to the delegation. 4th. That the deputies be requested to reach Liverpool on the 29th instant. ARREST OF MR. O'CONNELL. On Monday Evening, the 20th inst. this noble and brave defender of his country's rights, was arrested on a charge of having uttered seditious words at a meeting of the Association on the 16th inst. Mr. Alderman Darley accepted Mr. O'Connell's own recognizance to appear at the next Sessions, which commences on the 3rd of January. On Mr. O'Connell's having executed the recognizance, he said, "6 Why, Mr. Alderman, this directly interferes with my intended journey to England, could you not take it, as there are no bills yet found, for the The following are said to be the seditious words uttered by Mr. O'Connell. "Nations have been driven mad by oppression; he hoped that Ireland would never be driven to resort to the system pursued by the Greeks and South Americans to obtain their rights ---he trusted in God they would never be so driven. He hoped Ireland would be restored to her rights-but if that day should arrive-if she were driven mad by persecution, he wished that a new BOLIVAR may be found— may arise that the spirit of the Greeks and of the South Americans may animate the people of Ireland." The Morning Register says, that the words imputed to Mr. O'Connell, are a foul misrepresentation, and we understand that different editions of the words are given in almost all the papers, and that Mr. O'Connell bas caused a writ to be served on the Editor of the Paper containing the above extract. It was expected that Mr. O'Connell would plead his own cause, but we understand that Mr. Shiel, and other counsel, are retained for his defence. We need not regret this circumstance on any account other than its interference with the proposed deputation to England, which however we hope it will only delay, to make the worthy members composing it, if possible, the more welcome to our shores. BRITISH CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION. We beg to call the attention of our readers to the following Circular, which has been addressed by Mr. Rosson to each of the Secretaries of the provincial Catholic Associations. My dear Sir-The Catholics of Manchester and Salford have come to an unanimous resolution to petition both houses of parliament, early in the ensuing session and are of opinion, that each Association should send separate petitions, with a view of affording more opportunities of pressing our manifold grievances upon the attention of the legislature; and thereby upon that of the nation at large. Presuming that your Associatien will pursue the same course, I have to call your attention to a new grievance, which should, in my mind, form a substantive ground of complaint, in our several petitions to parliament-I mean the unparalleled conduct of what is termed the Orange party, in Ireland, and the language recently used by that part of the press, in England, which has espoused the cause, and daily echoes the calumnious statements of that desperate and self-interested faction. It is not generally known by the people of England, that that party, though small and contemptible in number, possesses almost a monopoly of power and place in Ireland: it therefore necessarily views with peculiar jealousy any attempt on the part of the Catholics of Ireland, to obtain a participation in the common rights of Britons; because that participation might be attended with a loss of influence, and profit to themselves. Hence their disobedience to the truly parental injunctions of our most gracious and beloved sovereign; who, in enjoining them to love their Catholic fellow-subjects, told them, in other words, no longer to be selfish, and to cease to distract Ireland for their own behoof: hence their treatment of the king's illustrious representative, whose sole aim is to administer the affairs of Ireland with wisdom and impartiality; hence their infamous assertions in the columns of the Courier, and of that self-constituted organ of the established Church, John Bull, that the loyal and constitutional proceedings of the Irish Catholic Association, lead to rebellion and murder; hence, with a Satanic love of mischief, their encouragement of many of our excellent and religious countrymen, by the most gross misrepresentations of the state of ignorance of the Irish people, and of their want of religious instruction, to enter into a proselytising crusade against the Catholic religion, by sending Bible missionaries into Ireland, though they are witnesses daily of the exemplary labours of the pious and zealous Catholic pastors of Ireland-labours for which the Clergy of the Irish Protestant church establishment, receive princely revenues. Let us now turn to the real cause of all this slander and vituperation. In Ireland, the party is known, and appreciated at its real worth, by every truly loyal and patriotic individual—but in England-wonderful to relate! they have always contrived to represent themselves as the exclusively loyal and faithful part of that kingdom. Their present views seem to be two-fold; first, to alarm the generous British nation by denouncing the constitutional efforts of their innocent and injured Catholic fellow subjects as factious and replete with danger to the peace of the country and secondly, if they fail in that, to betray the unwary peasantry of Ireland, in the name of the Catholic Association, into acts of illegal violence, that their own emissaries, who are at present out of bread, may be employed to allay the storm they themselves are so anxious to raise. It is time that these arch hypocrites should be unmasked; and exhibited to the people of England in all their native deformity. A series of atrocious libels, have recently issued from the columns of the Courier, on seven millions of the King's subjects-on Catholic Ireland-whose loyalty and devotion to her. Prince, and obedience to the laws, stand unimpeached and unimpeachable. A torrent of unsparing and remorseless invective, has been poured upon her nobles, her gentry, her people-but, above all, on her excellent, patient, and long-suffering priesthood!-Libels, for the publication of which, the Editor of that print has placed himself on the threshold of a goal; to which, that Christian |