Whatever little energy they showed was expended in the direction of resisting unjust legislation, and of forming associations avowedly hostile to the masses of the people. What is here advocated is, that they should take the field as the people's leaders. Irishmen, who, by their merit, have brought honour upon their native land, must surely have some influence with their countrymen; and, be this little or be it great, they ought to use it for good. A distinguished soldier or sailor, a successful pleader or author, an artist, a keen sportsman, a traveller, might find plenty to say to his countrymen which, without trenching on the distracting fields of politics and religion, would find a ready and appreciative audience. And thus might be begun some amicable correspondence which may result in time in complete rapport. Traitors and low adventurers, exciting to violence and sedition, can win the Irish; why should not educated and talented men be able to do the same? Because, as we shall be told, the subject makes all the difference : they love to hear of outrage and rebellion, of wrongs and vengeance, and will be preached to about these by low fellows when they would not tolerate the most gifted man on any other subject. We, however, decline to believe that there is only one subject on which Irishmen can be interested. There are many non-political themes on which it would be possible to rivet their attention, and through which they might be beguiled of their goodwill.
This exhortation is, as was said above, a mere venture, and intended only as a hint. If nothing in the direction which it recommends be practicable, no great harm can have been done by so gently stirring the question; and if anything, though never so little, may be done with effect, it would be a dereliction of duty to hold one's peace. It is abundantly plain that hope of amelioration through legislation there can be none as long as the present Government may hold office. They have only intensified the elements of strife which, before their day, were threatening the commonwealth. The more, then, help from without fails, the more willing should true Irishmen feel to fall back upon and put forth their own best efforts – not to be overcome of evil. There must be seven thousand men left who have not gone wild on political subjects; and of these may be made a leaven that shall soften many minds until a great company be leavened.
As the beginning of a rapprochement such as we have been advocating, nothing could be imagined of greater promise than the visit to Ireland of the Prince and Princess of Wales, which, as we go to press, is proceeding so satisfactorily. The event is most auspicious, and will, let us hope, be followed up by persons who, if they come far behind their Royal Highnesses in influence, may yet tread the same path with excellent effect. Loyalty is not dead – that is clear; but it requires to be led into a new and a proper channel. The Royal personages can be received and listened to with every token of loyal affection without allusion being made to vexed political questions, and that, too, in regions which were supposed to be entirely under control of the agitators. It has been a brave and a successful progress; and it has met with the success which its courage deserved. It is a hint to the wise.
