IRISH DISAFFECTION. 63 



Femanism. It is no doubt true that if there had 

 been a contest, the savage violence of the Fenian 

 partisans was such that bloodshed would sm-ely have 

 occurred. Every threat of violence, every word of 

 Eepeal, was loudly applauded. All else was ignored. 



I think it is therefore quite clear what is the 

 issue now before the country. It is simply Fenianism 

 and Eepeal. I shall surely be asked, What are its 

 prospects and what is the danger from it ? I am 

 convinced there is no danger, provided the law be 

 firmly enforced. "Without that, all other remedies 

 will be useless, or worse than useless. 



I have already said the great majority of the 

 people desire above all things peace and quiet. 

 Every day there is less doubt what view the Irish 

 Protestants take of Home Eule. They have no 

 sympathy with Fenianism or Eepeal. The Census 

 has made clear how great is the strength of the 

 Protestants. It is certain that by next year, 1872, 

 their numbers will be one to two and a half, and the 

 two and a half steadily diminishing each year by 

 emigration.-^ Such a minority, independently of its 

 greater education, intelligence, wealth, and habits of 

 energy, is conclusive of such a question as this. The 

 majority, even if of one mind, cannot put down such 

 a minority and dare not try. It is not half big 

 enough for the purpose. 



But the majority is not all of one mind, nor any- 



1 The Census proved to be very slightly above this proportion. ; 



