the reconquest
of Ireland by the children of her own land and of the true faith,
the expulsion of the stranger, and the restoration of the soil to the
families from whom it had been taken by the sword. With these feelings
to the landowners on the part of the farming and labouring population
in the Roman Catholic provinces of the country, it cannot be matter
of surprise that any trick, or act of violence by which a landlord was
deprived of his just rights, was regarded either as a "venial offence,"
or no offence, or even a patriotic and virtuous act, according as the
conscience of the rude casuist was more or less under such influences.
Had the landlords as a body administered their estates in a spirit of
justice; used their power to bring land questions under the influence of
just and simple legislation; and, as magistrates and legislators, set an
example of moderation, good sense, and true patriotism, the prejudices
of the peasantry would have been worn down, in spite of sacerdotal
or other influences to sustain and foster them. Such a happy state
of affairs had not arrived in 1853, and the old tales of brutal and
barbarous murders filled Europe-with a sense of astonishment and mystery
as to the social and political condition of Ireland.

It was peculiarly remarkable that during the prevalence of a general
state of affairs so lamentable, there should arise in Dublin a Palace of
Industry, the sequel of that erected in Hyde Park. The site chosen was
admirable--the lawn of Leinster House, at a former time the property
of "Ireland's only Duke," but then in possession of the Dublin Royal
Society. Mr. William Dargan, a celebrated contractor for railway works,
with patriotic feeling, conceived the idea of erecting a building, at
his own risk, for the display of the industrial products of Ireland.
One thousand men were employed daily for many months in completing the
structure, which was admirably adapted to its purpose.

On the 12th of May, the building was opened with much _eclat_. It
was found more imposing and elegant than the public expected, and the
pleasure felt by the people of Ireland and their British friends was
thus much enhanced. It was divided into three "halls." The centre hall
was 425 feet long, and 100 feet wide; two lesser ones were each 355 feet
long and 50 feet wide. The elevation of the three halls was equal, 65
feet. The whole area occupied by this Palace of Industry was 210,000
square feet. Light was a