Their Ignorance, a Reproach to Britain. 59 



is by them declared to have been extorted and 

 granted piece-meal ; while every legislative step 

 has evinced a want of wisdom, and compelled the 

 admission of others a conduct that, it is fond- 

 ly hoped, must ultimately procure for them that 

 relief, which substantial justice and sound policy 

 ought to have secured to the country long ago. 



In some instances the very favours granted 

 the catholics are considered as sources of ag- 

 gravation, if not of insult emblazoned badges 

 of slavery ! In conferring the elective franchise 

 they have been denied the exercise of a free 

 choice, the proudest prerogative of English- 

 men ; and compelled to feel, in the discharge 

 of the granted privilege, their own inferiority. 

 What a reproach to Great Britain, that one of 

 her most valuable provinces, and in her im- 

 mediate vicinity, should have remained for such 

 a number of years in so perfect a state of ignor- 

 ance, wretchedness, and misery ! 



As a sample of the extreme bigotry and 

 ignorance of the times, Leland informs us, that 

 an Irish Bishop was celebrated for the com- 

 position of a hymn, in barbarous Latin rhyme, in 

 praise of St. Macartin, whilst his brethren in 

 other countries were engaged in discussions on 

 the most important points of religion. When 



