I have on the Order Book a Notice of a Motion for leave to bring in ‘A Bill to alter and amend the laws relating to the Temporalities of the Irish Church, and to increase the means of religious instruction and Church accommodation for Her Majesty’s subjects in Ireland.’
If I had not good grounds for knowing that it would give satisfaction to those whose just discontent at the existing state of things in Ireland is a material element in the weakness and the difficulty of all liberal Government, I would not propose it.
But I believe it would not only be acceptable to the Irish Catholic Church and people, but a durable and easily defensible, because a just and reasonable, settlement.
My notion of doing good with it is—by influencing public opinion in its favour—and my object would be in a great degree gained if, after a temperate explanation of my Bill from me, the Government would allow it to be read a first time as a thing not unworthy of consideration.
Will you oblige me by reading it?
And if you think it is of a nature to induce any friend of yours to change his opinion as to the unreasonableness of parties and persons on the question, you are quite at liberty to communicate it to him.
Believe me, faithfully yours,
William Shee.”
To this Panizzi answered thus:—
“British Museum,