The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-08-08

tors aud rebels, and at the same time
all the agencies Of the Treasury, OF pa
troDaQe and OF intimidation were oper-
a'ing secretly and ceaselessly through
out Irish society.
LAST HOURS OF The PARLIAMENT OF
GRATTAN.
The las. session of Irelard's Parlia.
ment opened January Is, 1S00-the
Parliament Of Grattan," the Parlia-
ment established on the presidents OF
three centuries and IA fled by the
declaration Of the constitution of 1882.
The Imperial Parliament had already
adopted the articles OF union between
Great Britain and Ireland, and the
government felt so sure OF obtaining
the requisite action OF the Irish Par.
lament that no reference was made
to The matter in the speech from the
throne. Lord Cas- lsresgh IN reduced
1t as a legislstiye question approved
by msjoiity OF the people. The do
bate that fol owed was one Of the most
remarkable ia the history OF civiliza.
ton in despairing, passionate clio.
quence, end in the spectacle OF a body
OF patriots resisting to the last the
combined il fllences OF treason and
corruption. AS an Illustration let us
mention the case of Dr.. Brown, member
from ,the university. This gentleman
aunouu need a change Of conviction he
hal voted before aga INST the union
and now he would vote for it, Need
we exam'n ne his reasons when the rec
ord shows that coincident with his
chang OF view was his appointment
to the place OF Prime Sergeant. The
whole subject was reopent d, and the
Arguments against the union presented
with convincing force by Bashe, PUNK
OF. Egau, Ponsonby and Others.
Henry Glattan had been an invalid
for nearly two years, incapable Of act
i've work, but had recently returned
to Ireland and was induced TO accept
a seat in Parliament for the close Dor
ough of Wicklow. The great debate
had almost reached climax when he
once more on the scene OF
his 10 mer trumphs. John Mitchell
thus describes the scene:
"Mr, Egau was speaking strongly
against tue measure when Mr.. George
Po1sonby and MIR. Arthur Moore
walked out, and Immediately returned
leading, or rather helping, Mr.. Graf
tan, in a state OF total feebleness AID
debility. The effect was electric. Mr..
Grattan's illness and deep chagrin had !
reduced q form never symmetrical,
aud visake at all times thin, nearly |
to the appearance OF epecter. As be |
feebly tottered into the House every
member simultaneously rose from his |
seat. He moved slowly to the table
bis languid Countensnce seemed to re-
vive as he took those oaths that re-
stored him to his pre-eminent station;
the smile OF inward satisfaction obvi- |
oualy Illuminated his features, and re-
animation and energy seemed to kin.
die by the labor OF his mind. The
House was silent. Mr.. Egau did not
resume his speech. Mr.. Grattan, al |
most breathless, attempted to rise, but
found himself unable at first to stand,
and asked permission to address the
Housa from his seat. Never was there
a finer illustration OF the sovereignty |
Of the mind over matter. Grattan
spoke two hours with all his usual va
hemence and fire against the union"
But the issue was made up. Not even
The eloquence of Grattan could change
votes which had already been paid Tor.
The division that followed showed a
for the castle OF forty.two.
1t is unnecessary to review the other
icenes that followed at the formal
of the bill. The closing days
Of the last Irish Parliament were like
hose following a great battle lost.
Dab in was controlled 10y the military,
and the bayonets flashed along the
Of the Parliament House.
Coercion and corruption were equally
represented IN the victory of the gov.
srnment. Ireland lost her home Par
lament not with the consent of her
people, and rot by the votes of her
Inc rrupted statesmen. Itwss wrest-
I'd from her against the principles of
aw and equity and the alleged legis-
alive consent to the union WIS mock
Try OF the forms OF justice and wholly
Without authority ia the wishes of the
,aople and in the action of their chos-
n representatives. The charge that
he act OF union was passed by the
'otes OF the tools OF the government,
whose presence was secured for that
pecific purpose, is supported by I'M
mpeachable facts and figures. The
membership OF the House a. tho tine
Ia been scheduled and classified by
ohm Mitchell and oilers, and the per-
onal particulars given as to each
member show that the vot for the bill
Vas almost wholly made upof govern
lal [ off niala and nfIina hnihnrn