The Tablet 1840
  Contents of The Tablet's first edition  

Meeting of the Catholic Institute

The annual general meeting of the Catholic Institute was convened in the Theatre of the Western Literary Institution, Leicester-square, on Wednesday last, at one o'clock. Lord Camoys, Mr. Langdale, M.P., Mr. Wheble, Mr. J. Wheble, Mr. C. Weld, Mr. Henry Riddel, Mr. Addis, Mr. Cooke, Mr. McDonnell, Mr. Pagliano, Mr. Yates from Liverpool, Mr. Carr, and other distinguished gentlemen were observed on the platform. In consequence of the shortness and insufficiency of the notice that had been given, the attendance was very thin. The Committee therefore determined to adjourn it to another day. For the purpose of carrying this determination into effect with the necessary forms,

The Hon. Mr. Langdale was moved to the chair. He commenced his address by saying, that considerable difficulty existed as to the course of proceeding which they should adopt, in consequence of the appearance of the meeting. It was supposed that sufficient notice had not been given that the meeting would take place today. (Hear, hear.) He understood that there were several of the branch Institutes in London and its vicinity which had not received information that the annual meeting was to take place at this time; and he believed it the more readily as he himself had not been aware till yesterday that this meeting was in contemplation. He did think, for several reasons, that their best course would be to adjourn the present meeting (hear, hear) to some other day, for which notice should be given to all who took an interest in their proceedings. There might be this further advantage in their pursuing this course, that the noble Earl of Shrewsbury might, by that time, have arrived at home, and be able to fill the chair much more worthily that he could pretend to do. He was certain that, after the noble Earl's long absence from this country, nothing would give him more gratification than to preside on an occasion of so interesting a character. He believed that, if they were to adjourn now, the Committee, which had been empowered to act for the past year on the part of the Institute, should be reappointed till the next day of meeting, as otherwise there would be no one possessed of power to call another meeting together. He hoped, therefore, that some gentleman would have the goodness to move that the Committee which had acted during the past year be reappointed, and that, in consequence of sufficient notice not having been given that the meeting would be held to-day, it should now be readjourned, and proper notice be given for some future day.

Mr. Cooke then moved that the standing Committee for the past year should be reappointed till this day fortnight, or such other day as this meeting might be adjourned to.

After a few observations from Mr. Robson, who seconded the motion, and Mr. Wheble, it was put and carried.

Lord Camoys next moved that the meeting be adjourned to this day fortnight, to be held at the same place and hour. He had ample grounds for so doing, when he saw such numbers as were now congregated before him on so short a notice. It would be peculiarily gratifying that a fuller attendance should be secured to hear the very favourable report of the last year. (Cheers.)

The Rev. Mr. Sick was one of those who thought that the greatest publicity should be given to their proceedings. He did not like that they should be behind their countrymen in this respect; and he therefore hoped that the Committee and Secretary would take effective measures - not indeed by placarding the streets, of which practice he did not approve - to give the respectable Catholics of London and its vicinity due notice of a matter which so intimately concerned them.

Mr. Ringrose suggested that bills respecting the next meeting should be circulated at the chapel doors.

Mr. Smith (the Secretary) considered that if the Committee should be reappointed, it would be unnecessary to give such instructions, as they would take the necessary steps.

Mr. Ringrose begged leave to observe, that at Warwick-street chapel their branch meetings were always so published.

Lord Camoys considered the suggestion very valuable, and was sure the Committee would take advantage of it to insure a full attendance.

Mr. Green proposed that the word "place" should be omitted from the resolution, as a larger room might be necessary for the next meeting.

Mr. McKeane supported the motion.

Mr. Haines said that the meeting of the Institute last year had been advertised in the Morning Chronicle , and that in that paper there was a report of their proceedings extending to two columns. The Sun also gave a very full report. He was therefore confident that if they should give proper notice of the next meeting, the liberal papers would give full reports of it.

Mr. McKeane wished also to observe that printed cards had been given last year to the branch committees for distribution, and that some members distributed as many as 100 of them.

The Chairman said that, under all the circumstances, the best course would be to pass a resolution that this meeting be now adjourned, and that due notice be given of the next meeting.

The resolution having been passed in this form, the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman was carried, and the meeting separated.

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