The Lord Lieutenant, after describing the gathering as 'one of the most notable deputations which had ever come to lay its case before the Irish Government,' and noting the 'remarkable growth of public opinion' in favour of the policy they were advocating, expressed his heartfelt sympathy with the case which had been presented, and his earnest desire--which was well known--to proceed with legislation for the agricultural and industrial development of the country at the earliest moment.

The demand made upon the Government was, argumentatively, already irresistible.

But economic agitation of this kind takes time to acquire dynamic force.

Mr.Gerald Balfour introduced a Bill the following year, but it had to be withdrawn to leave the way clear for the other great Irish measure which revolutionised local government.

The unconventional agitation went on upon the original lines, appealing to that latent public opinion which we were striving to develop.