law. No other intimidation existed: none was felt in
Ireland; for what was the force of an unarmed multitude when measured
against the force of the state? The power of the Catholics was as
nothing. But when it was considered what effects might arise from
disunion; when it was considered that a spirit of resentment was growing
up, which roused men against each other, there did appear a kind
of intimidation, of a nature which did not admit of contempt. The
Protestant body--at least the body which arrogated to itself that
title--knew the enthralment under which they had held the Catholics,
and that an unarmed multitude must submit. But were we, it was asked,
to destroy one part of the people, by rousing and inciting the other? It
was rather the duty of government to protect the whole; to ensure them
the greatest degree of protection; and to give to the people all the
privileges they had a right to enjoy. To those who urged a dissolution
of parliament, it was answered, that parliament as it existed was as
capable of discussing the question now, as any parliament had been at
any time during the last twenty-five years; that the question was a fit
one for the consideration of the house of commons at all times; and that
it was particularly fit for their consideration when it came recommended
from the throne, as necessary for the safety and peace of the United
Kingdom. A dissolution of parliament, remarked Mr. Peel, must leave the
Catholic Association and the elective franchise in Ireland just as they
were. If parliament were dissolved, the Catholic Association must be
left as it was, as the common law was inadequate to suppress it; and
being so left, it would overturn the representation of Ireland. Whatever
majority might be returned from Great Britain, Ireland would return
eighty or ninety members in the interest of the Association, forming a
compact body, against the force of which it would be impossible to
carry on the local government of the country. It had, indeed, been said,
"Increase the army, or the constabulary force;" but a greater force
could not be employed there. He would state one simple fact. Above
five-sixths of the infantry had been engaged in aiding the government
of Ireland, as by interposing between two hostile parties. Under
such circumstances a reaction would compel them gradually to this
alternative; namely, instead of resting the civil and social government
on its base, to narrow it and to rest it on its