But that resolution remained and remains unfulfilled.  The ministry which proposed it, redeemed their promise by an Algerine measure of coercion, which Mr. O’Connell denounced as “base, bloody and brutal.”  His opposition, and their own recreancy of principle, tended rapidly to their overthrow.  Lord Stanley, in hatred to Mr. O’Connell and his country, abandoned the Government, which he charged with truckling to the great demagogue’s will.  The country, on the other hand, withdrew its confidence from them on the ground that they truckled to their hereditary foes, and allowed the principles of the Tories to influence Parliament in the name and through the agency of the Whigs.  Division and weakness followed; and the result was a break-up of the administration, which was remodelled, with Lord Melbourne for its chief, on the understanding that more liberal views should govern its future course.  An alliance was entered into with Mr. O’Connell, whose support the Prime Minister openly claimed and as openly boasted of.  Then was formed what was known as the “Litchfield House Compact.”  This compact, if such the understanding that existed can be called, was based upon the assurance that the most liberal measures of justice should be extended to Ireland, and that in the administrative department, the Government should apply itself diligently to the reform and purifying of all public functions and functionaries.  What was the nature or extent of Mr. O’Connell’s engagement, I do not pretend to know.  But whether he pledged himself to abandon for ever the struggle for independence, or only to place it in abeyance for a season to facilitate the action of the Government in reference to their good intentions and favourable promises, he so far fulfilled his engagement as to dissolve the Association.

That Association was composed of various and very conflicting elements.  The motives which influenced many of its leaders were equally varied.  Many joined it merely because Mr. O’Connell was its founder and its guide.  Many among the middle ranks of society had acquired a sort of interest in agitation they could not easily surrender.  It had gained them local distinction, and gratified a morbid vanity.  Profuse votes of thanks were their incentive and reward.  To correspond with Mr. Ray, or perhaps the Liberator, consummated their ambition, and for aught beyond that they felt no concern.  Others there were, corrupt by nature and cunning in design, whose political exertions had personal advancement for their sole aim; and others still who never believed Mr. O’Connell sincere, but joined the Association and shouted their approval, because too contemptible and feeble to acquire distinction except through the echo of his voice or under shelter of his fame.  To the false and the sordid and the indifferent, the dissolution of the confederacy was a welcome event:  but the people, yet uncorrupted, looked on passively with agonised hearts.