Mr.Hume, a parsimonious economist, of niggard principle and grovelling sentiment, undertook the office of coercing the Irish.

He gave notice of a motion for a call of the House.
This man, a mean utilitarian, had been rejected by the country of his birth and the country of his adoption, and found refuge in an Irish constituency, that returned him without solicitation and without expense.

He repaid them and the country by a vulgar jest, and now assumed the responsibility of their public prosecutor.
The Association heard his threat with calm indignation and resolved at once to defy him.

The great importance of the position in which it was placed suggested the necessity of a deliberate consideration; first, of the constitutional question at stake and, secondly, of the steps proper to vindicate its own dignity and resolution.

As on all such occasions, a sub-committee was appointed to whom the question was referred.