l-organized opposition
to it, conducted with truth, dignity, and honour, must have speedily
adjusted matters. The imperial legislature could not have resisted
demands so fair. But the movement, like almost all others in Ireland,
no matter for what object originally framed, became a mere sectarian and
party one, conducted without justice or decency, and with designs
that were disloyal to the government, and insidious to all classes of
Irishmen not identified with it. These remarks anticipate the progress
and character of this unprincipled agitation, as it soon became, but in
doing so, an explanation is afforded to the reader which enables him
to comprehend occurrences and debates which entered into the history of
subsequent years.

The remaining matters of interest connected with Ireland will be found
in the section given to the affairs of parliament.

HOME EVENTS.--PROPOSAL FOR AN EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.

Early in the year a project was mooted for bringing together in one vast
building specimens of the industry of all nations, The object in view
was to promote commerce and national amity. The persons who projected
this scheme had several consultations at the Institution of Civil
Engineers, in Westminster, and it was finally agreed, if possible, to
interest Prince Albert in the matter, give him all the credit of its
origin, and its chief direction. On communicating the matter to the
prince, he accepted the responsibility, and from that moment her majesty
became deeply concerned in its success. The interest taken by the queen
and her consort soon communicated itself to the rest of the royal family
and to the government, and every exertion was made to secure the aid of
foreign courts and governments, and the sympathy of foreign nations. A
committee was organized of the most likely persons to conduct such an
undertaking to a fortunate conclusion, and the powerful influence of the
court was exerted throughout the British Isles. It was resolved to erect
a building in Hyde Park for the display of the various productions that
might be forwarded, and although a fierce opposition was raised by the
aristocracy of Kensington and Knightsbridge, the court and government
supported the committee as to the site they had chosen. A design was
made by Mr. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, to erect a
structure of glass, which was accepted, and Messrs. Fox, Henderson, and
Co., of Birmingham, contracted fo