OF THE OX. 221 



than from religious and social changes, is at 

 once monarchical, aristocratic, and partially 

 democratic, and for that reason embarrassed in 

 its working hy so many wheels. Its authority 

 is scattered and divided, whilst the respect 

 ascribed to the prerogatives of each distinct 

 public power is the safeguard of the State. 

 In the absence of both Houses during the 

 recess, it could take no resolution as to ways 

 and means ; for the difficulties on this unhappy 

 occasion, we cannot too often repeat it, are re- 

 duced to a question of money. Deprived of 

 the requisite authority, it was unable to do 

 more than exhume the old laws on the matter 

 and ordain new ones. And yet, the impotence 

 of the Government was not perhaps so great as 

 is imagined ; for whilst it suffered the typhus 

 almost unmolested to devastate the country, 

 it very justly, and in the name of the public 

 interest, took vigorous and effectual measures to 

 stamp out another epidemic the rash and insane 

 conspiracy of the Fenians. It stood still and 

 would not authorize domiciliary visits in stables 

 and stalls, nor the seizure of sick animals, but 

 it did not falter a moment at the domiciliary 

 visits and incarceration of insurgent citizens 



