ears from the House of
Commons, I yet do not feel myself at liberty to forego whatever
power of resistance to the progress of pernicious legislation my
office of representative may confer upon me. Upon the present
occasion, I have come to London for the purpose of endeavouring
to induce the House of Commons, or rather the Government, who
appear to command the opinions of a large majority of the House,
to modify some of the Irish measures now before Parliament in
such a manner as to render them beneficial, instead of
injurious, to Ireland.

"Desiring that none but the representatives of the Irish nation
should legislate for Ireland, we have no wish to intermeddle
with the affairs of England, or Scotland, except in so far as
they may be connected with the interest of Ireland or with the
general policy of the empire.

"In obedience to this principle I have abstained from voting on
English and Scotch questions of a local nature, and the same
motive now induces me to decline attendance on committees on any
private bills, except such as relate to Ireland.

"I am prepared to abide with cheerfulness the personal
consequences which may result from the course of conduct which I
feel it my duty to adopt.

"I speak with great diffidence upon any question of a legal
kind, but I am supported by very high professional authority
when I suggest to the committee that no power was delegated to
the House of Commons by the Act of Union, or by subsequent
statutes, to compel to attendance Irish members on the
deliberations of the British Parliament. Neither do I find that
any authority has been given by statutory enactment to the House
(except in the case of election petitions) to enforce the
attendance of members upon committees.

"I refrain, however, from arguing legal questions which may be
raised before another tribunal, in case it should become
necessary and advisable to appeal from the decision of the House
of Commons to the courts of judicature, and conclude by assuring
the committee that I take the course which I propose to
adopt, not from any desire to defy the just authority of the
House of Commons, but in obedience to my sense of the duty which
I owe to my constituents and my country.

"I have the honour to be, your obedient servant,

"WILLIAM S. O'BRIEN.

"T