The Sun. — 1852-01-29 (London, England)

LORD CHIEF JUSTICE. IE3 Lordship prefaced his observations by declaring that " it was, unfortunately, too true that alarge portion of that and of the two adjoining counties' of Louth and Armagh were pervaded by a rnischievous—a most mischievous association. There could de no doubt that, in these counties—ribbonism—for that was the name by which it was known—pervaded in these districts in all its horrors, and with all its terror." From all the circumstances attending on the horri ble outrage, he then argued powerfully, so as to bring conviction to every unprejudiced mind that it was to the existence of this wide-spread confederation that the murder of Mr. BATESON was ascribable. He said, whether the murderers of Mr. BATEsON were actuated by private and individual hatred, or whether they were the official assassins intrusted to carry out the sentence of death pronounced by the Ribbon Society, it was not just now perhaps a matter upon which it was very important to be informed ; but there was one thing clear—these men, however actuated, never would have perpetrated the offence— nay, would never have attempted to perpetrate it--at the time, in the place, and under the circumstances it was effected, unless they were assured of that protection, and that support, and that connivance in crime which the Ribbon Society assures to all criminals, no matter how atrocions the offence which they perpetrate. There was no doubt in his mind that this particular crime was committed by parties who trusted for safety to that organization. Was he not then justified in denouncing this terrible body as " the severest scourge of Ireland ?" Is it not to the atrocities perpetrated under the express directions of this Celtic vehmgericht, or at least cast upon those willing to assume the responsibility of any outrage, however atrocious, that the chief evils under which the sister kingdom has so long suffered may be attributed, which has prevented, and still prevents the influx of capital into the country ? Capitalists are proverbially a timid and suspicious race, and they will avoid places where there is not ample security for life and property. Heretofore there was that security in the north of Ireland, and therefore Ulster afforded a favourable contrast to the other provinces There was to be found peace and tranquillity, and their invariable attendants, prosperity and happiness ; while the sufferings of the inhabitants of the districts where the law was set at defiance excited the sympathies of the people, who forgot their errors in consideration of their miseries. Now all this is changed, for the demon which has vanished from the south has apparently found an abiding place in the north. Let the people of Ulster, if they wish to save themselves from the fearful results of crime—results similar to those which they have noticed and deprecated in Limerick or Tipperary, determine to put down Ribbonism, and to banish it from the vicinity. If they exert themselves heart and hand for that purpose they may yet retrieve their former position. If not, the retribution will be as fearful as the outrages by which it was called forth. Let them be wise in time, for their future welfare depends on their present conduct.