Page:Studies in Irish History, 1649-1775 (1903).djvu/335

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After Limerick

era, one "An Act for the better securing the Government by disarming Papists,"23 the other "An Act to restrain Foreign Education."24 By the former Act every Papist was bound before the 1st of March next following to deliver up all arms to a justice of the peace or some other proper authority. People suspected of concealing arms could be searched and examined on oath, and all persons who refused to deliver up their arms, or who resisted search or examination were liable to heavy penalties; a heavy fine or imprisonment for the first offence, and "præmunire" for the second. Any Papist exercising the trade of gunmaker was liable to a penalty of £20, and any gunmaker employing a Popish apprentice was liable to a similar penalty. Another section of the Act provided that no Papist should keep any horse over 45 in value. Any Protestant who discovered that a Papist kept such a horse, could go before two justices and swear to his discovery on oath. He might then go with a constable to search for the horse in daytime, and was at liberty to break open doors in case of opposition. If he found the horse he was free to purchase it on paying five guineas to its owner. Any Papist who concealed a horse over the value of £5 was liable to be imprisoned for three months and to pay a fine

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