THE OVER-REPRESENTATION OF IRELAND. [TO Pus EDITOR OP TOR "
Sp marATon..]
Sin,—May I take exception to one remark in "J. R. F.'s" letter in last week's issue ? He says that " Grattan's Parlia- ment steered Ireland into anarchy, rebellion, and civil war." If "J. R. F." had taken the trouble to study the facts, even as represented in the late Mr. Lecky's "Leaders of Public Opinion" (Vol. I.. Grattan), be would not have made this statement. The " anarchy, rebellion, and civil war" which he deplores were brought about by the fact that the Irish Executive, who were the obedient servants of Pitt, resisted Grattan's noble efforts to reform the Irish Parliament. If he had read the history of the '98 rebellion, as related by the United Irishmen in prison awaiting execution, he would have seen that the Society of United Irishmen only became a dis- loyal body when they realised that the real obstacle to reform was the English Government. Unless " J. R. F." can dispute these facts, I hope he will withdraw the insult which he has cast upon Grattan and the whole Irish nation.—I am, Sir, &c., 1782.
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