Several of those present at the meeting expressed their views for and against the Bill.  The Irish members, especially the Liberal members, felt they were in a dilemma.  They knew Lord George’s proposal was popular in Ireland—­regarded, in fact, as a great boon.  They did not at all desire the resignation of the Government, from which they had received many favours, and expected many more.  What was to be done?  They hit upon a plan, which they considered would lift them out of their dilemma; they resolved to ask Lord George to postpone the second reading of his Bill, for a time, by which arrangement the Premier would not be bound to carry out his threat of resignation; and Ireland eventually might have the benefit of the railway scheme proposed by the Protectionist leader.

The party which was formed some time before, at the Rotunda meeting, and named the Irish party, as representing Ireland and its interests, without reference to politics or religion, continued to meet from time to time, in rooms they had hired in London.  Those who joined it, probably, meant well in the beginning; and many of them, no doubt, meant well all through; but they undertook an impossible task, when they pledged themselves to work for their country, irrespective of their individual views, religious and political.  In an hour or two after the meeting of the 11th of February, at Lord John’s, had broken up, they assembled in their rooms.  Some of the Irish members who were present at Chesham-place attended, and gave an account of what had transpired there.  The situation was grave.  Time was pressing.  The second reading of Lord George’s Bill would be on in a few hours.  The meeting, which consisted of thirty-four Irish peers and members of Parliament, agreed to forward a request to Lord George, to postpone the second reading.  The request was contained in the following resolution, with which Smith O’Brien was deputed to wait on him:  “Resolved—­That Lord George Bentinck be requested to postpone, to such a day as he shall appoint, the second reading of the Railway Bill, in order that the discussion on the Bill may not interfere with the progress of measures now before the House, which are of urgent and immediate importance to the famishing people of Ireland; and also in order that time may be allowed for the expression of public opinion in Ireland upon the merits of the proposal of Lord George Bentinck.”

He received Mr. O’Brien in the kindest manner, but frankly told him he could not postpone the second reading of his Bill without consulting his friends.  At the same time, he expressed an opinion, that if the Irish members pressed their request, it would be acceded to, provided those who were the cause of the postponement would take the responsibility of it.  There was no postponement:  the second reading was proceeded with that evening, as originally intended.  When it came on, Smith O’Brien, who was probably appointed by the Irish party for the