ided, and twenty-one resolutions
were adopted, demanding civil rights, and the removal of commercial
restraints. One resolution expresses their pleasure, as Irishmen, as
Christians, and as Protestants, at the relaxation of the penal laws.
This resolution was suggested by Grattan to Mr. Dobbs, as he was leaving
Dublin to join the assembly. It was passed with only two dissentient
votes.

The effect of this combined, powerful, yet determined agitation, was
decisive. On the 27th of May, 1782, when the Irish Houses met, after an
adjournment of three weeks, the Duke of Portland announced the
unconditional concessions which had been made to Ireland by the English
Parliament. Mr. Grattan interpreted the concession in the fullest sense,
and moved an address, "breathing the generous sentiments of his noble
and confiding nature." Mr. Flood and a few other members took a
different and more cautious view of the case. They wished for something
more than a simple repeal of the Act of 6 George I., and they demanded
an express declaration that England would not interfere with Irish
affairs. But his address was carried by a division of 211 to 2; and the
House, to show its gratitude, voted that 20,000 Irish seamen should be
raised for the British navy, at a cost of L100,000, and that L50,000
should be given to purchase an estate and build a house for Mr. Grattan,
whose eloquence had contributed so powerfully to obtain what they hoped
would prove justice to Ireland.

[Illustration: GOLDSMITH'S WELL.]

FOOTNOTES:

[547] _Government_.--Harris' _Life of William III_. p. 357.

[548] _Insignificant_.--A petition was sent in to Parliament by the
Protestant porters of Dublin, complaining of Darby Ryan for employing
Catholic porters. The petition was respectfully received, and referred
to a "Committee of Grievances."--_Com. Jour_. vol. ii. f. 699. Such an
instance, and it is only one of many, is the best indication of the
motive for enacting the penal laws, and the cruelty of them.

[549] _Property_.--It will be remembered that at this time Catholics
were in a majority of at least five to one over Protestants. Hence
intermarriages took place, and circumstances occurred, in which
Protestants found it their interest to hold property for Catholics, to
prevent it from being seized by others. A gentleman of considerable
property in the county Kerry, has informed me that his property was held
in this way for several generations.

[550] _Earn_.-