I requested that the question should be again postponed, and the opinion of some eminent men outside the Association taken.

I was overruled, and even laughed at--it was "doubting Mr.
O'Connell." Mr.O'Connell said, "I'll test this question '_meo periculo_.'" The resolution passed amid cheers, and was recorded next day amid the louder and more vehement cheers of the Association.

The country re-echoed the boast, and the House of Commons was, by a formal and solemn vote of the entire nation, set at defiance.

The conflict was pre-arranged, even to its minute details.

Mr.O'Brien was to proceed to London, where disobedience would be more marked and decisive; and Mr.
John O'Connell was to remain in Ireland, where he could take advantage of an additional obstacle to the exercise of its authority to the House.
So the matter stood when Mr.Hume, through what motive it is not easy to see, neglected or abandoned his notice.