When the Convention assembled, he utilized that advantage to the full.

These assemblies presented a problem which might intimidate the most capable chairman.

Theoretically deliberative, they had at least a representative character; all branches of the United Irish League, all branches of the Hibernians and Foresters, all county and district councils sent up their chosen men, to whom were added such clergy as chose to attend.

The result was a mass of over two thousand persons packed into a single room; they deliberated in the physical conditions of a crowd; hearing was difficult, disorder only too easily brought about.

I have seen one of these Conventions sharply divided in opinion, and counting of votes would have been impossible.