between Catholics and Protestants growing out of tithes,
endowments, etc.; and triumphantly point to the numerous
Protestant gentlemen, many of whom are clergymen, who have
joined their movement. As to the idea of total separation, they very
properly retort that if Ireland will not rest satisfied with the
concession of her just demands, it is not likely that she will be more
loyal to the crown as long as they are withheld.
This repeal movement, in another shape, like its predecessor, had a
very obscure birth and a small christening. About three years ago, a
few gentlemen met in a private room in the city of Dublin to chat
over political affairs, amongst whom was Isaac Butt, a member of
Parliament, and a lawyer of large experience and great eminence in
his profession, who suggested the outlines of the present plan of
operation. Like most hardy plants, its growth was at first slow, but it
has [pg 066] recently sprung up a hale, hearty tree, with boughs
overshadowing all classes and creeds at home, and roots extending
through the sister island and its dependencies. From the first the
leadership has been accorded to Butt, who, though by no means a
man of the gigantic calibre of O'Connell, is still a very competent
political guide and an energetic organizer. Though a Protestant and a
great favorite with the more liberal sectarians, he seems to enjoy the
confidence and friendship of many of the Catholic bishops and a
large number of the priesthood, particularly those of the venerable
Archbishop McHale, whose name we find appended prominently to
the call for the late conference in the capital. With Butt are such
men as Sir John Gray, Mr. Mitchell-Henry Sullivan, Dease, Major
O'Reilly, Digby, Synan, Murphy, Blennerhassett, the O'Connor Don,
and other prominent laymen; while the Catholic clergy in great
numbers, headed by Dean O'Brien, of Limerick, are active
sympathizers. The Home Rulers count in their ranks in Ireland alone
about sixty members of Parliament, besides nearly half that number
representing English constituencies. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, one of
the most profound and the best organizing minds that Ireland has
produced for many generations, is, it is said, about to return from
Australia, and again enter the British Parliament as the