lowest state by the neglect and indifference of the landed proprietors; and the manufactures crippled by a series of pernicious restrictions imposed by a selfish rival.

Swift, in writing this “Proposal,” did not take advantage of any special occasion, as he did later in the matter of Wood’s halfpence.  His occasion must be found in the condition of the country, in the injustice to which she was subjected, and in the fact that the time had come when it would be wise and safe for him to come out once more into the open.

He began in his characteristic way.  All the evils that the laws against the manufactures and agriculture of Ireland brought into existence are summarized in this “Proposal.”  His business is not to attack the laws directly, but to attempt a method by which these shall be nullified.  Since the manufactures of Ireland might not be exported for sale, let the people of Ireland wear them themselves, and let them resolve and determine to wear them in preference to those imported from England.  If England had the right to prevent the importation to it of Irish woollen goods, it was surely only just that the Irish should exercise then right to wear their own home-made clothes!  The tract was a reasonable and mild statement.  Yet, such was the temper of the governing officials, that a cry was raised against it and the writer accused of attempting to disunite the two kingdoms.  With consistent foolishness, the printer was brought to trial, and although the jury acquitted him, yet the Lord Chief Justice Whitshed, zealous for his employer more than for his office, refused to accept the verdict and attempted to force the jury to a conviction.  In his letter to Pope, dated January 10th, 1720-21, Swift gives an account of this matter: 

“I have written in this kingdom, a discourse, to persuade the wretched people to wear their own manufactures, instead of those from England.  This treatise soon spread very fast, being agreeable to the sentiments of the whole nation, except those gentlemen who had employments, or were expectants.  Upon which a person in great office here immediately took the alarm; he sent in haste for the chief-justice, and informed him of a seditious, factious, and virulent pamphlet, lately published, with a design of setting the two kingdoms at variance; directing, at the same time, that the printer should be prosecuted with the utmost rigour of the law.  The chief-justice has so quick an understanding, that he resolved, if possible, to outdo his orders.  The grand juries of the county and city were effectually practised with, to represent the said pamphlet with all aggravating epithets, for which they had thanks sent them from England, and their presentments published, for several weeks, in all the newspapers.  The printer was seized, and forced to give great bail.  After his trial, the jury brought him in not guilty, although they had been culled with