Irish Equity Reports Volume 1

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. 1839 Excerpt: ...under an act of parliament, passed at a time when the money current in England was current in Ireland, at 1-13th more than it was in England; so, that before he could make his demand, he must ascertain at what time the right to make the charge was originally given. Sterling money means British currency, Lord Ormonde v. Cope (a). Noel v. Rochfort is an authority in favor of the plaintiff. In that case the facts appear by the Chancellor's judgment (b). It may be said on the other side, that the currency was changed between 1637, and 1737. It must be admitted that changes did take place, and that James 2 made current a very base coinage; but in the proclamations issued by him, making such coin current, there is an express provision that it was not to continue long, that it was shortly to be decried, and when decried, the persons holding the base coin were to be repaid in gold and silver of the current coin of the kingdom, to be given by the crown in satisfaction--Counsel here referred to 3 Proc. 1689, and 3 Prod. 1690.--James did not remain on the throne long enough to fulfil his intention, but when Wm. 3 came to the throne in 1690, his first proclamation was to deccy the brass, copper, and mixed metal coins, after the 26th Feb. then next. Another coin of a debased kind has gained considerable notoriety from the Drapier's Letters, I allude to Wood's halfpence; but it. could never have been intended by the landlord or contemplated by the tenant, that a rent of 100 per annum was to be paid in copper coin. Wood's halfpence were of a very debased kind; after the petition to parliament against the patent, and after Sir Isaac Newton's report, then master of the mint, it is impossible to contend the contrary; but they are out of the question, as the patent to W...