The Government became at once intolerant and impotent.

They proclaimed down the agitation; but this only imparted to it activity, energy and strength.

The Government gave way to a furious storm which had been long gathering elsewhere.

The great Reform Ministry succeeded with Earl Grey at its head; and in the struggle for Imperial parliamentary Reform, Ireland and her independence were forgotten.
During the intellectual conflict that followed, Mr.O'Connell asserted his pre-eminence, and won a lofty name.

He made far the most successful speech on the question of Reform.