Chapter 5

The Affairs of Ireland.--Condition of the Irish Parliament.--The Octennial Bill.--The Penal Laws.--Non-residence of the Lord- lieutenant.--Influence of the American War on Ireland.--Enrolment of the Volunteers.--Concession of all the Demands of Ireland.--Violence of the Volunteers.--Their Convention.--Violence of the Opposition in Parliament: Mr. Brownlow, Mr. Grattan, Mr. Flood.--Pitt's Propositions Fail.--Fitzgibbon's Conspiracy Bill.--Regency Question.--Recovery of the King.--Question of a Legislative Union.--Establishment of Maynooth College.--Lord Edward Fitzgerald.--Arguments for and against the Union.--It passes the Irish Parliament.--Details of the Measure.-- General Character of the Union.--Circumstances which Prevented its Completeness.