UNTY CLARE.

ENNIS, _Monday._

In a picture exhibited a few years ago, and since engraved, was
powerfully and pathetically portrayed a scene of the early life of the
Pilgrim Fathers of New England. It was winter time, and the day was
Sunday. Clad in raiment of quaint severity, the head of the house led
his Puritan family and servants across the snow-clad fields to
worship. Living in the midst of a hostile population, the little band
of worshippers was armed to the teeth. The father carried his "plain
falling band" and steeple-crowned hat with a stiff air, and also
carried lethal weapons. His prim wife and daughters bare Bibles, and
his serving men, muskets. "Like a servant of the Lord, With his Bible
and his sword," the unflinching old soldier of the Commonwealth strode
manfully from his homestead to his religious duties, not unprepared to
deal with any foes who might turn up by the way.

As a glimpse of the remote past, as well as a work of art, this
picture struck me as valuable; but it certainly did not occur to me
that a similar sight would be seen within a short space in the kingdom
of Ireland. Nevertheless, it may be witnessed on any Sunday in county
Clare. Near Tulla, a spot of evil repute just now as the theatre of a
recent attack upon magistrates returning from doing their duty,
Colonel O'Callaghan, his wife and son, may be seen on any Sunday
morning going to church armed with rifle and revolver, and protected
by an escort of constabulary. The church is a long walk from Lismeehan
(_Anglice_, Maryfort), and the way is not safe either for Colonel
O'Callaghan himself, his wife, his child, or anything that is his.

I will not pretend for what are called "sensational" purposes that the
stranger who ventures within the gates of Maryfort is in any danger so
long as he remains within them, or that any weightier missiles than
groans and hisses are launched at him as he goes to and from the house
under "taboo." It is well known that an attack on Lismeehan would not
be bloodless, and that the defence would be far fiercer and more
deadly than that made at the Clare-street Police Barrack at Limerick.
The little garrison is perfectly armed, and small as it is, would work
mischief on any attacking mob; but the experience at Tulla the other
day proves that safety is only purchased at the trouble and
inconvenience of going everywhere armed to the teeth.

After my experience in the matter of Mr. Sanders, of Sanders Park,