The due appreciation of that movement requires that a few leading facts and inferences upon which it was based should be calmly considered.

The first and most important is the great change which had taken place in the feelings of the country.

The vast majority of the thinking population were ranged at the side of the Confederation.

So, too, was that of the people of the rural districts.

The intellectual leaders of the great Protestant party had actually identified themselves with it, and a reconciliation with the entire body of the Orangemen had been nearly effected.