The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-05-25
ireland.


adopted in relation to Ireland seems in fair way to
hasten, instead of preventing, the revolution which
now appears to be inevitable in that country. By
peremtory refusing to consider the question of Re-
peal of the Union-a measure which seven-eighths
of the Irish people at heart desiret has served to
unite in a common bond the hitherto discordant
factions which distracted that country-by threat
ening resist the repeal by force, if force
quired it has suggested to the submissive and
peaceloving, that to force alone they must look for
restoration of what they deem their natural rights.
But the Government has committed worse error
still-t has refused in any wise to sanction by law,
what in Ireland is called tenant right that is
the right of the outgoing tenant of lands to sell to
his successors his improvements, and privileges of
occupancy. This right, though unknown to the
laws, has been established by sort Of custom In
the different counties of the province OF Ulster
much to the annoyance of the landlords; but IL Is
so generally acknowledged and enforced by the
peasantrv that it has not been thought sale or po
lite to call it in question. A recent commission
however, has had the subject under examination,
and has made report thereon entirely adverse 10
the existence or continuance of the custom, repre-
senting it as violation of the property OF the laId
lords and as detrimental to the agricultural pros
perity of the kingdom. At the same time that THIS
report was made, every other section OF ireland was
clamorous for the establishment OF the " tenant
right Moved by these clamors, the government
in one of its fits of fright and concession introduced
bill relative to the rights of landlords and tenants,
which. as is usual with such measures, pleased
neither party it did not grant the latter what they
demanded. and awakened the fears and aroused the
opposition of the former. The bill, after feeble
effort to sustain it, was Withdrawn. This step has
alarmed the farmers of Ulster, who have heretofore
been the main stay of the English supremacy in
Ireland. They believe that they are about to be
sacrificed for the benefit of the landlords and that
they have nothing to hope from the government.
This belief has been further strengthened by letter
of>Sharman Crawford, the leading member of Par
lament from Ulster, who warns his constituents
that their cherished tenant ght is i'll danger, SO
far as the will of the landlords and the action of
Parliament endanger it. BY this course the
government has not only failed to strengthen itself,
but it has thrown into position OF necessary hos
tility over million of the best affected and most
united and energetic of the Irish people.
In addition to this evidently suicidal policy, the
law against free speaking and writing, has reused
general feeling of Indignation and hatred In the
minds of the people; while the impossibility of
etfectualy enforcing it, will bring the authorities
into contempt. The law will stand only as mon
ument of malignity and weakness. Little was 10
be feared from Irish agitation while there was any
hope that might peacefully attain its ends; while
Ulster remained free to the Eng dish connexion, and
while the orators and editors were left free to vent
their patriotism and enthusiasm in words. 1t would
have been many years, at all events, before the
agitation would have assumed the form OF armed
revolution, and probably then the revolution would
have been unsuccessful. But the English Govern
ment by taking away hope has left no motive for
peace; by sacrificing its devoted supporters, has
united in common cause the whole nation; and
by closing the satetyValye of words, through which
any superintendent excitement might have found a
ready escape, has in measure compelled the peo-
pie to resort TO deeds.
We of course know not the motives, nor do we
pretend understand the secret policy Of the Eng
gish minister's but if they desired to hasten the re-
voution, and to make it general and terrible as
possible, under belief of their present strength in
order to crush the whole at once, and paclty the
country for many years to come, they have certain
ly taken the readiest way to accomplish their pur
pose. The results, however, may not answer to
their antcipations. 1t is easy enough for man to
start snow ball on the top of mountain but it is
easy for him to stop lit BEFORE in avalanche
it reaches the plain. Ii is easy enough to excite
people to rebellion, but it may be rather aborous
TASK to quell the rebellion when fairly under way.
If there be any foundation for the halt concealed
fears of England, and for the openly expressed
hopes of Ireland there is but little reliance to be
placed upon the army in an Irish war. Half the
regiments in the country are infected with the re-
peal doctrines-ali the privates and many of the
sabalterns are disguised with the service and when
it comes to the test, it may be as Moore prophysied
i'll one of his Irish fables that it would be-the red
coats brought out to extinguish the fires of liberty
will prove like pitch-pine extinguisher placed over
Etna-serve but to increase the conAagration.