rectly, it is probable that much corruption was employed
to effect it; but still the fact remains that by it one of the most
ardent wishes of all Scottish patriots was attained, that there had been
for many years a powerful and intelligent minority who were prepared to
purchase commercial freedom even at the expense of the fusion of
legislatures, and that in consequence of the establishment of free trade
the next generation of Scotchmen witnessed an increase of material
well-being that was utterly unprecedented in the history of their
country. Nothing equivalent took place in Ireland. The gradual abolition
of duties between England and Ireland was, no doubt, an advantage to the
lesser country, but the whole trade to America and the other English
colonies had been thrown open to Irishmen between 1775 and 1779. Irish
commerce had taken this direction; the years between 1779 and the
rebellion of 1798 were probably the most prosperous in Irish history,
and the generation that followed the Union was one of the most
miserable. The sacrifice of nationality was extorted by the most
enormous corruption in the history of representative institutions. It
was demanded by no considerable section of the Irish people. It was
accompanied by no signal political or material benefit that could
mitigate or counteract its unpopularity, and it was effected without a
dissolution, in opposition to the votes of the immense majority of the
representatives of the counties and considerable towns, and to
innumerable addresses from every part of the country. Can any impartial
man be surprised that such a measure, carried in such a manner, should
have proved unsuccessful?"[29]

In the _Leaders of Public Opinion in Ireland_ Mr. Lecky traces the
current of events which have led to the present situation. He shows how
the Treaty of Limerick was shamelessly violated, and how the native
population was oppressed and degraded.

"The position of Ireland was at this time [1727] one of the most
deplorable that can be conceived.... The Roman Catholics had been
completely prostrated by the battle of the Boyne and by the surrender of
Limerick. They had stipulated indeed for religious liberty, but the
Treaty of Limerick was soon shamelessly violated, and it found no
avengers. Sarsfield and his brave companions had abandoned a country
where defeat left no opening for their talents, and had joined the Irish
Brigade which had been formed in the service of France....