BAVARIA AND IRELAND.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I cannot see the difficulty suggested by your article on the above subject. If the supposed religious question were one con- cerning the local affairs of Great Britain, the Irish Parliament would have no right to intervene. If it concerned the local affairs of Ireland, the British Parliament, as such, would have no right to intervene. If it concerned external affairs, it would be dealt with, as now, by the Imperial Parliament, in which (but only for Imperial purposes) Ireland would continue to be represented.
As to the Bavarian case, it seems to be simply that of a Con- stitutional King who violates his Constitution to please a powerful neighbour. But this might occur apart from any federal arrange- ment.—I am, Sir, &c., [Mr. MacCarthy does not perceive our point, or know German facts. England's action under a federation would be legally England's business, but it most certainly would, nevertheless, irritate or conciliate Ireland. Suppose England ordered all Catholic priests to be executed? As to King Ludwig's position, he is not only Consitutional King of Bavaria, but Constitutional Representative of Bavaria in the Imperial Federal Council. He has to perform two duties sometimes Incompatible.—En. Spectator.]