At this time Lord Miltown, a nobleman who seldom touched politics, addressed a public letter to O’Connell, which, like the Times’ articles, had the appearance of being inspired from higher quarters.  The object of writing the letter is contained in a single sentence of it.  It is this:  “Without presuming to ask you to forego your exertions in favour of Repeal, might I,” his lordship writes, “suggest the policy of your postponing them for a session to give time to form an Irish Party, to assist the Ministry, if willing; to urge them on, if lagging; in procuring justice for Ireland.”  O’Connell replied in a letter, rich with the vigorous trenchant logic of his very best days.  He reviews the many attempts made, at various times, to form an Irish party, all of which ended in unmitigated failure.  His answer to Lord Miltown, therefore is, that he cannot comply with his request—­he cannot consent to postpone, even for an hour, the agitation for Repeal.

For a considerable time the dissensions in the Repeal Association were painfully evident to the whole country.  O’Connell saw a rupture must be the result, and he accordingly made preparations for it.  On the 13th of July, he, as chairman of a committee appointed for the purpose, brought up a Report reiterating the principles on which the Association had been founded, and in which were embodied the “Peace Resolutions,” as they were called.  “There are already upon record,” says the Report, “the following declarations and resolutions of the Repeal Association:—­The basis of the Repeal Association was laid on the 15th of April, 1830.  The following were the three first propositions constituting such basis:—­’1st.  Most dutiful and ever inviolate loyalty to our most gracious and ever-beloved Sovereign, Queen Victoria, and her heirs and successors for ever.’

“’2nd.  The total disclaimer of, and THE TOTAL ABSENCE FROM ALL PHYSICAL FORCE, VIOLENCE, OR BREACH OF THE LAW; or, in short, any violation of the laws of man, or the ordinances of the eternal God, whose holy name be ever blessed.’

“’3rd.  The only means to be used are those of peaceable, legal, and constitutional combinations of all classes, sects, and persuasions of her Majesty’s loyal subjects, and by the power of public opinion, concentrated upon most salutary and always legal means and objects.’”

The Report gave rise to a stormy discussion, but in the end it was adopted all but unanimously, Thomas Francis Meagher alone saying “no” to it.

A fortnight later, after a fierce debate of two days’ duration, the complete and final separation between Old and Young Ireland occurred on the 28th of July.  Monday, the 27th, was the usual day for the weekly meeting, and on that day the business commenced by Mr. Ray, the Secretary, reading a letter from O’Connell, who had gone to London to attend Parliament, in which he expressed his sorrow at the miserable dissensions which had arisen amongst them, at a period, too, when