The Sun.
London, England, 1868-03-11 00:00:00

.ROYAL VISIT TO IRELAND.

Ao Dublin correspondent of the Times writes r- "The
nnouncement which is officially made that his Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales is about to visit Ireland has
sent a thrill of pleasure through every loyal heart in the
country. There is reason to anticipate an enthusiastic
welcome for the Royal visitor. Jealousy is but the dark
side of a nobler feeling, and the deeper the shade the
brighter the other side. The Irish people have always
been sensitively jealous upon the subject of Royal visits.
If they were not by nature generous and loyal, they would
regard with indifference the preference shewn for other
parts of the empire, which they bitterly feel and
rashly resent. Loyalty is a principle and passion
with them which may be perverted and misapplied if its
legitimate object be withdrawn, if there seems to be no
reciprocal feeling, and estrangement be allowed to take
the place of Cordial intercourse. The presence of the
Prince will rekindle the enthusiasm which royalty has
ever inspired in Irishmen. In Dublin especially, where
his Royal Highness has not been quite so great a
stranger, his visit is looked forward to with antici-
pations of genuine pleasure, and a hearty welcome
awaits him from all classes of citizens. He will be the
guest of the Lord-Lieutenant at Dublin Castle during his
stay, which, it is stated with regret, is limited to
a period of a week or ten days. His Royal Highness is
expected to be here during the Easter week, when the
steeplechases at Punchestown, which combine some of the
attractions of a Derby and an Ascot meeting, will afford
him a view of Irish life and character which may be novel
and interesting. The annual cattle show of the Royal
Dublin Society will be held during the same period, and
furnish another scene which he may witness with satisfac-
tion. Other arrangements are in contemplation to impart
éclat to the event, and contribute as far as possible to the
enjoyment of the Royal visitor."
The Dublin Mail says the object which has induced the
Prince of Wales to intimate his intention of honouring
Ireland with a visit is that he may be enrolled among the
Knights of the National Order of St. Patrick. On the
occasion of his Royal Highness's creation a grand installs.-
',ion will be held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, the first since
the memorable installation presided over by King George
IV. in 1821. The great popularity of the Lord-Lieutenant
among all classes of the people will be enhanced when it is
known that the Prince's visit is owing to his Excellency's
anxious regard for the country over which he rules in the
spirit of true patriotism. In the delicate health of
the Princess, it has been found impossible for her
to carry out her known wish of visiting Ireland, and the
circumstance will be universally regretted. The Irish public
will hope, however, to have an opportunity ere long of
shewing the Princess that she has during her illness had
their sympathy. The. Prince will, it is understood, be
accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge, and remain
about a week in Ireland. Imposing military displays will
take place, and the Castle will be the scene of entertain-
ments on the scale the public will be ready to expect.
Before the period of the Prince's visit, the local excite-
ment attending the judicial proceedings arising out of a
former manifestation of Fenianism will have passed away,
and the country, we hope, will enjoy its natural quiet.
The Telegraph adds that the ribbon of the Order of St.
Patrick which was in possession of the Prince Consort
has not been conferred since his death. The installation
of the Prince of Wales will be distinguished by unusual
pomp, and the ceremonial will include a public procession
Jarough the streets of Dublin.