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THE STAR OF VICTORY
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profit which self-government would, as they think, confer upon them. Patriotic leaders spring up from time to time, men who are gifted with the power of speaking in public, but who have greater talents for political disturbance than for governing any country to its satisfaction; whose love of self is far stronger than their love of peace; and they fan into a flame the fierce anger and ambition of the multitude. They take delight in making small things appear great, in deceiving their hearers by misrepresentations, bitter words, and ferocious threats and gesticulations. The populace are ravished with their talk; they are heroes and demigods. If we listen to these men, we are told that the justice and innocence are all on their side, while the barbarous tyranny and cruel injustice are all on the side of their enemies, as they deem the English people. While admitting that Ireland has been treated with great severity in the past, I must confess that she brought much of her trouble on herself. Cannot something be done to secure peace?'

'Unquestionably,' said the Doctor; 'I remember that in my time there was a rebellion. Ireland was always in hot water and giving trouble then. Cromwell made the disturbers respect his military talents.'

'All this is old news to you, sir; some men are always giving trouble; nothing but the wholesome discipline of the army or navy will keep them in order. My unruly countrymen—alas! that I should say so—are hated and despised all the world over, and are called in derision "Pestilent Irish." And is it any wonder? According to my belief, the British Islands were intended, by Him who formed them, to be one united nation, great and powerful in our little world; able to make itself respected, and to insist on peace to the farthest parts of the earth; and having been united as one for centuries, what reasonable man can have patience with those unprincipled orators who drive a