The Sun.
London, England, 1826-09-30 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE TIMES.

(From the Dublin Patriot.)
It is we believe admitted, that of all the questions which
indeed,
which engage the attention of the New Parliament, or
which interest the great mass of society in general, that of
Emancipation is the most important. Its opposers and
advocates are agreed on this point, whatever may be tne7
arguments or opinions on the merits of the abstract ques-
tion. The success of the measure we would consider as
a triumph. But here let us not be misunderstood; let us
not be considered as taking
a partizan view of the ques-
tion ; we have over and over again recorded our opinion,
.
that the interests of the Empire would be benefitted Ina"
terially by this just concession, and it is because of its sa-
lutary influence on national concerns, that We have advo••
clued in such stormy times the question of Catholic Eman-
eipation. When we use then, the phrase triumph, we do
rat mean a triumph of. Catholics over Protestants, lay or
enietiesl, or a triumph of Irish interests over British;
"t we intend by the phrase, the triumph of opinion
over force,
It is obvious to any person who will not close his eyes
to the fact, that' those two great principles are, and have
been, since the overthrow of feudalism,. struggling for
the mastery over the human species. This political
manichrism, We hope, and we believe,-. is drawing to
its close. , The progress of liberal instittions in Europe,
of institutions more suited thaitileienformer to the happi-
ness of mankind, is apparent.
yt eurborean Autocrat,
the terror of liberty and civilization, trembled o.n.h s
throne ; his iron despotism has been invaCl
Foree is overthrown also, in another of its stroll; holds in
the. South of Europe, while liberty is almost .within the
grasp of that interesting people, to whom civilised Europe
is indebted for its civilization, The philanthropist beholds,
with inexpressible joy, the descendants of the Spartans
and the Athenians, our preceptors in learning and liberty,
almost in the possessien of those blessings which their an-
cestors bestowed to Europe. Subjected to a long and
dismal confinement in the dungeon of force, their incur-
eeration was not destitute of an occasional glimmering
from the lamp of opinion.--And we trust Europe will
speedily, by the example of the Greeks, learn the import-
ant lesson, that the great characteristics of human nature
are indelible; that the changes wrought in the political
constitution of states, and consequent individual degrada-
tion, are commensurate with, as they are caused by, the
tyranny of force, and its offspring—
lows •in one word, monopoly. partial and oppressive
We have been led into these observations by that ques-
tion which immediately concerns ourselves ; a question
chieli strongly exemplifies the conflict of the two prin-
Pleß Which have already produced permanent and exten-
-81"
effects on the Continent of Europe, and which must
very. speedily be decided in the British islands. Our et.
torts have been and shall be directed to the tranquil adjust.
inri era of the contest. We had intended to offer some con-
siderations on the measure of Emancipation, aware that its
toleeeudnYmilldiscussion requires the efforts of all those whose
ur nees enable them to direct the public mind, and.
"ce the blessings arising from a tranquil state of
society, 0
lo another occasion we will then resume this
important subject,