ions against the increase of monastic institutions, particularly
that of the Jesuits. A more effective check, however, on the
consequences which might result from admitting Roman Catholics
in Ireland to civil power, was meditated in a law for raising the
qualification of the elective franchise, in counties, from forty
shillings to ten pounds: by which means that privilege would be limited
to persons really possessed of property, and less liable to be misled by
the priests. After detailing the features of the plan in a speech which
occupied more than four hours, Mr. Peel remarked:--"And now, although
I am not so sanguine as others in my expectations of the future, I
have not the slightest hesitation in saying, I fully believe that the
adjustment of this question in the manner proposed will not only give
much better and stronger securities to the Protestant interest and
establishment than any other that the present state of things admits of,
but will also avert evils and dangers impending and immediate. I might
have taken a more popular and palatable course: more popular with
the individuals in concert with whom I long thought and acted, more
palatable to the constituents whom I have lost; but I have consulted
for the best, for Protestant interests and our Protestant establishment.
This is my defence against the accusations I have endured; this is my
consolation under the sacrifices I have made; this shall be my revenge.
I trust that, by the means now proposed, the moral storm may lie lulled
into a calm, the waters of strife may subside, and the elements
of discord be stilled and composed. But if these expectations be
disappointed; if unhappily civil strife and contentions shall arise;
if the differences existing between us do not spring out of artificial
distinctions and unequal privileges, but if there be something in the
character of the Roman Catholic religion not to be contented with
a participation of equal privileges, or with anything short of
superiority, still I shall be content to make the trial. If the battle
must be fought; if the contest which we would now avoid cannot be
averted by those means, let the worst come to the worst--the battle
will be fought for other objects, the contest will take place on other
grounds; the contest then will be, not for an equality of civil rights,
but for the predominance of an intolerant religion. If those more gloomy
predictions shall be realized, and if our more favourable hop