The New York herald., 1871-01-03
ENGLAND.

Tho Bcnian COnvicts-Mr. Giadst0ness Letter
to the Late Lord Mayor of Dublin.
The following letter mas been sent by Mr.. Glad
stone to Sir william Carroll. late Lord Mayor Of
Dublin whose name was the first OF those attached
TO numerously signed petition presented to the
Prime Minister by Mr.. Mccarthy Downing, NJ. P.:-
DOWNING STREET, Dec. l5 1870
GENTLEMEN-I have to inform you that her Ma
jesty's government have carefully considered the
case OF the convcts now undergoing their sentences
recommended to the Crown the exercise towards
them OF the royal cemency, so far as 1t Is COM
and order in the country. They WI therefore be
discharged upon the condition OF not remain
ing in nor returning TO- the United Kingdom
participation, either secretly or by open violence,
. conspiracy which. II in any degree successful,
would have filed Ireland with misery and blood
shed; and the same principles Of justice which dic-
tated their sentences would amply sanction the pro-
longation Of their imprisonment II The public security
1t Is tins last question, therefore, which has
Aajesty's government, and they have been able to
come to the conclusion that, under tho existing cir
S the e, country ,na the release Of the @
stated will be perfectly compatible with the para
mount interests OF public safety, and, being 80, will
tend 70 strengthen the cause OF peace ana loyalty in
Ireland. There happily appears TO be concurrence
OF circumstances favorable to such an exercise Of
the royal prerogatve OF mercy Ireland at present
remarkably prosperous and generally free from tur
bulence or disorder. 7 NH aN
lts quiet COnOlltOn SHOWS most marked improve
ment upon that which prevailed year ago. Since
that time Parliament has again proved, as it had
done IN the previous session, It's readiness to con-
'front.' the most difficult questions OF Irish
legislation with view to sincere reforms and
erectual remedies while 1t has not failed to MAN.
tain the authority OF the law b. comforting special
and necessary powers upon the Irish governments
These things have sweied the numbers and strength.
ened the hands OF tnat great body OF men of oil
parties and creeds representing the property In
telhgence and religion OF ireland which Is on the
side or order and loyalty while they have weakened
the powers OF disatrecton and revolution. The ear
nest desire of her Maesty's Ministers Is to act In all
things 80 as to favor the advance Of this healing
process, and 1t Is because they believe that the
release OF the cOuvicts now suffering under SON.
tences Of imprisonment for treason aud trea-
sOn-lelony VIII assist in this work that they
have arrived at their present decision. That
decision. they are well aware. Is In accordance
with strong opinions and compassionate feelings
very widely prevalent In Ireland, but happily
not displaying themselves In any popular agitation
or any turbulent demands, sucn as would render
compliance inconsistent with the due authority Of
government or AFFORD to the evil-disposed an ex-
cuse. Of which there cannot now be shadow, to
misrepresent an act which Is one Of pure clemency
on the part OF the Queen. have the honor to be,
gentlemen, your very faithful servant,
w. T.. GLADSTONE.