wed as a whole,
it was little more than the embodied expression of the fears of the
landlords, that they would be swamped by the rates levied to feed the
people, and of their hopes that, by uniting, for the occasion, with the
popular leaders, they would be able to compel the Government so to shape
its course, that, at any rate, _they_ would come forth safe from the
ordeal. Neither the Committee, nor the landlords who met in Dublin at
their call, intended to form a permanent Irish party; in fact, it could
not be done in the sense indicated by them. In a circular which was
issued the first week of January, they say:

"That, at this awful period of national calamity, it becomes the first
duty of every Irishman to devote his individual efforts to the interests
of Ireland, and that neither politics, parties, nor prejudices should
influence his mind in the discharge of such a duty."

"That, as we feel deeply convinced that our own divisions have been the
leading causes of our own misfortunes, and, by weakening our influence
in the councils of the empire, have deprived us of our share in the
general prosperity, so we are no less firmly persuaded that it is by
union alone that we can repair the evils that dissension has created."

"That, if the necessity of joint and united action be urgent and
important to Ireland, under ordinary circumstances, it at this moment
becomes imperative and vital, as not only the future fortunes, but the
present lives of millions, may depend on our exertions, and that
dissensions at such an hour is not only a reproach but a crime."

"That, to make such an union binding and effective, it will be necessary
not only to feel, but to act together, to take steps to ensure an united
support or united opposition to such measures as may be produced with
regard to Ireland during this anxious session of Parliament."

"That, for this purpose, we venture to suggest to the Irish members of
the Legislature, to meet together at such a time as may be considered
most proper and convenient, for the purpose of forming an Irish party
for the protection of Irish interests; and we earnestly entreat, that
every member of that body should resolve, as far as is possible, to
consider and modify his own opinion, so as to meet the united feelings
of the general body, and should banish from his mind all considerations
of party or prejudice, at a time when the lives and interests of his
countrymen are so deeply perilled."