cumstances Mr. Littleton
sent for Mr. O'Connell on the 20th of June, and made the desired
communication, with an assurance that only a short measure for
repressing agrarian disturbances would be proposed: and, also, that if
the coercion bill was again thought necessary, he would not introduce
it. In consequence of this interview, Mr. O'Connell promised his
assistance in putting down disturbances; and he actually withdrew the
repeal candidate whom he had started for the county of Wexford. To
the dismay of Mr. Littleton, however, the premier and majority of the
cabinet determined to retain the clause respecting public meetings, and
he was compelled to belie his confidential communication. He had told
Mr. O'Connell that he would not be the person to introduce the bill in
that shape: and yet he did not resign when it was determined that the
bill should be introduced in that shape alone. At the same time he
communicated to Mr. O'Connell that his hopes could not be realised; but
begged him to take no public notice of this until he should have seen
Earl Grey's speech introducing the bill. Mr. O'Connell replied to him,
that if he did not resign, he would be guilty of deception; and Mr.
Littleton answered, "Say nothing of that to-day," or, "Wait till
to-morrow." But with regard to the fact, whether such an answer was or
was not given, both O'Connell and Mr. Littleton averred that what the
other stated was not consistent with truth. Be this as it may, O'Connell
thought he was not bound to secrecy; and on the 3rd of July, two days
after the bill had been introduced in the lords, he asked Mr. Littleton
whether it was true that the renewal of the coercion bill in its present
shape had been advised and called for by the Irish government? Mr.
Littleton answered that this was an unusual inquiry to make respecting a
bill not before the house; but he would say that the introduction of
the bill had the entire sanction of the Irish government. Mr. O'Connell
again put his question, as to whether the bill had been called for by
the Irish government? and not obtaining a more direct answer, he said,
"I now ask the Irish secretary if it his intention to bring the bill
forward in this house?" Mr. Littleton replied, "It will be for the
government to decide as to its introduction here when the proper time
arrives; but, whoever may bring in the bill, I shall vote for it." Mr.
O'Connell then said, "Then I have been exceedingly deceived by him;"
and t