A clear understanding of the whole--of Mr.O'Brien's influencing motives and his tenacity of principle--would be impossible without a distinct recital of the circumstances out of which his purpose first grew, and which, to the end, controlled his resolution.
In the spring of 1845, the committee of the Association passed a vote to the effect that the Parliamentary representatives, who were members of that body, should withdraw from the British Parliament.

It was proposed by Mr.Davis and received Mr.O'Connell's entire approval.

Though at first sneered at, it had a stunning effect.

The supercilious British Commons, who would have answered the just remonstrance of the Irish Repealers with a jeer, shrank from the consequences of legislating for the country in the absence of the men, whose efforts, if present, they would not hesitate to scoff at.

The disturbing influence of the resolution became at once perceptible, and the earliest means were taken to bring the question to an issue.