422 CAULFIELD. and temperate firmness which marked the conduct of the Irish parliament and people in pursuit of their constitu- tional rights, it was the unbounded joy and generous gratitude they manifested on this first pledge of political sincerity on the part of the British government toward Ireland. The parliament voted twenty thousand seamen for his majesty's navy; and the whole volunteer body cheerfally engaged to contribute their aid and influence in raising the men. A sum of 50,000l. was unanimously voted to Mr. Grattan, as a tribute from his grateful coun- try, for those exertions of his eloquence which so mainly contributed to the restoration of her rights; and a day of public thanksgiving was appointed to the Almighty for that union, harmony, and cordial affection so happily effected between the two kingdoms. But, notwithstanding the unanimity which seemed to have prevailed in parliament, that the simple repeal of the statute of George I. was an ample renouncement o right, on the part of the English parliament, to legislate for Ireland, a few members, at the head of whom was Mr. Flood now came forward to start objections, and to declare that nothing was done, and that nothing short of entire and formal renunciation on the part of England, of all right to bind Ire- land by British laws, could be valid or efficient. But all the powers of Mr. Flood's eloquence could not persuade the parliament to adopt this notion; and they declared them- selves almost unanimously satisfied with the simple repeal, as fully binding upon the honour of EnglandThe nation," said Mr. Grattan,"that insists on the humiliation of another, is a foolish nation." But notwithstanding the satisfaction expressed by parliament, a very opposite feel- ing prevailed out of doors-discontent gained ground- the arguments of Mr. Flood had a very general inluence On the Sist of July, the volunteers of Belfast declared, by a majority of two, " that the nation ought not to be satisfied with what had been done." Many other corps followed their example : , and Mr. Grattan, for whose patriotic conduct and eloquent exertions, the whole nation
