Then, and then only in his lifetime people saw him publicly break down; he had to be led away from the grave.
Meanwhile, he was beset by ceaseless correspondence concerning the numbers and composition of the assembly to which the British Government on his suggestion had decided to entrust so great a charge.

But a startling political event indicated only too plainly how much belated that decision had been.
Directly the proposal for a Convention had been disclosed, with its attempt to create a new atmosphere, it was put to the Government that Sinn Fein could not be expected to take part in the Convention while its leaders were in jail or under detention as suspects.

This representation came from several quarters, and it was soon publicly pleaded by the Nationalist party; but it was, to my knowledge, immediately put forward by English members of Parliament, the prime mover being a Unionist soldier, Major J.W.Hills, M.P.As usual, the advantage of prompt action was urged; and as visual, the concession was delayed till it had lost its grace and seemed to be extracted.

Sinn Fein's opinion in all these days was hardening against the Convention, which was represented as a mere trick to gain time and to conciliate American good will by an unreal offer.
When the prisoners were released, a new personage immediately came into the public eye.

It was certain that one of them would be nominated to contest the vacancy in East Clare left by Willie Redmond's death; the choice fell on Mr.de Valera; and the world learnt that in these months while the imprisoned Sinn Feiners had been discussing their plans for the future--for the right of association as political prisoners had been conceded to them--this young man had been recognized by his fellows as the leading spirit.