the principle of physical force, in practice or theory, to the Association.  On the contrary, they disavowed it, in reference to that body, and their own connection with it.  The real question was this—­whether it was necessary to the legality of any political society, to disavow, formally and forever, under all circumstances, and at all times, the right of men to strike down the cruellest tyranny with the strong hand.  It would be absurd to submit such a proposition to a lawyer, which could only be answered by a laugh.  It had been sufficiently settled by the fact that, without it, the Catholic Association, the Corn-law League, and the Repeal Association itself, up to the 13th of July, 1846, were perfectly safe and perfectly legal.  But no man knew better than Mr. O’Connell that this was a feigned issue, the real one being the mendicancy of the Association, and the treachery with which it abandoned the national constituencies to Whig officials.  The overtures on this occasion eventuated in some negotiations, of which the Rev. Mr. Miley was the medium.  His mission was singularly unfortunate, for it led to greater misunderstanding; and the negotiations terminated in mutual charges of misconception or misrepresentation.

The history of the Confederation, such as its importance deserves, is beyond the scope of my present purpose.  Others may undertake to vindicate for its proceedings that enduring place in the annals of the country to which they are eminently entitled.  Here, but a few words can be said.

As soon as the eclat of the first meetings had subsided, and the business began to assume a more routine character, the moral-force disciples, hitherto kept in awe by the mustered strength of the seceders and their followers, determined to give a practical illustration of the sincerity of their pledge by breaking the skulls of their opponents.  On the first occasion, their onslaught was vigorous and successful.  Blood was shed, and heads opened.  This was deemed no infraction of the holy vow recorded in the books of the Association; for the body held its meetings without exercising its undoubted prerogative of “blotting out” the scene of outrage “from the map of Ireland.”  On the second occasion, the wreckers of Conciliation Hall were met as they deserved, and after a short skirmish fled through the city.

The success of the new Confederacy was certain, but slow.  But, in the same proportion as their principles obtained predominance, the hatred of the Old Irelanders became unscrupulous and implacable.  Often in the house of prayer, they heard themselves denounced; often in the streets, they heard their names used as by-words of scorn.  Mr. O’Connell disappeared from the scene of his glory, which relapsed to the guidance of his intolerant and intemperate son.  Some attempts were made to force him to a reconciliation, which in public he appeared to yield to, but which in private he exercised his utmost cunning to baffle.  In