According to Earl Fitzwilliam 'whole parishes, baronies, and even counties, were declared to be out of the king's peace.' Mr.Fox brought forward a similar motion in the House of Commons, pleading the cause of justice and humanity in a noble speech, and boldly affirming principles of government for Ireland, which Mr.Gladstone, Mr.Chichester Fortescue, and Mr.Bright are now endeavouring to have carried out by the imperial parliament after seventy years of concession, extorted by three rebellions.

Mr.Fox expressed his abhorrence of 'the truly diabolical maxim' of '_Divide el impera_,' by which the government of Ireland was conducted.

He hoped that the discontent which threatened the separation of Ireland would be dissipated without the necessity of war.

'But now,' he said, 'the extremity of rigour has been tried--the severity of despotism has been let loose--and the Government is driven to that state when the laws are not to be put into execution, but to be superseded.' The motion was seconded by Sir Francis Burdett, who said: 'Whoever has seen Ireland, has seen a country where the fields are desolated, and the prisons overflowing with the victims of oppression--has seen the shocking contrast between a profligate, extravagant Government, and an enslaved and impoverished people.' The motion was rejected by a majority of 136.

Lord Moira made a last and an almost despairing appeal on November 22, in the same year.