The early differences between the two great journalists suggested to Mr. Duffy, and to others, the necessity of drawing up a programme for the guidance of the Confederation.  A committee was appointed, consisting of several members, including all the leading advocates of both the policy of Mr. Duffy and that of Mr. Mitchel.  The report was principally the production of Mr. Duffy.  It was in part modified by others; but Mr. Mitchel, who objected to its principle, refused to take any part in its modification.  It was afterwards submitted to the council of the Confederation; and there gave rise to a long, earnest and, to some extent, an angry discussion.  It was under consideration for several successive nights, the debate lasting sometimes until three o’clock in the morning.  The principle of the report embraced the belief that moral means and agencies to effect Ireland’s liberties were not yet exhausted, and should be further tried; and the agencies through which the experiment was to be tested were indicated in detail.  The principle of the amendment proposed by Mr. Mitchel involved a preparation for and an appeal to arms as the only resource available to the country.  After a long and anxious debate, the question of adopting the report passed in the affirmative by a considerable majority.  The details then came under discussion, and, paragraph by paragraph, alterations were proposed and adopted.  The discussion on these matters was still more prolonged and vehement.  The principle of the entire was questioned indirectly by various amendments of form; but it was always affirmed by a majority.  The report had, however, undergone such modifications and alterations that its original promoters lost all interest in its passing; and at the final stage, it was rejected, as well as I remember, without a division.  At all events, it was rejected, and, I believe, with the concurrence of Mr. Duffy, who afterwards published the original draft in the Nation.

It was on that occasion the celebrated resolutions, afterwards the subject of the three nights’ discussion at the Rotunda, were drafted and proposed by Mr. O’Brien.  They were at once adopted, Mr. Mitchel alone dissenting.  This may be the fittest opportunity distinctly and definitely to settle the question, which has recently arisen, in reference to these resolutions.  On the several occasions of Mr. Duffy’s trial, they have been given in evidence as proof of his loyalty, on the assumption that they emanated from him, and that it was through his influence the body was led to adopt them.  Again, it seems to have been inferred—­indeed, it has been so stated repeatedly, by persons who boast of his confidence—­that it was owing to his arrest and absence from the council of the Confederation, that measure of fatal rashness was adopted, of which he became the first victim; although it was his discretion and ability that kept the “Jacquerie,” who then obtained the ascendant, in check from the beginning.