The privileges of the Catholics, already greatly curtail ed, were still lurther encroached upon, by an act passed in 1727, by which they were totally deprived of the elec tive franchise. Such, however, was their attachment to their native soil, that, though a scarcity, reaching almost to a famine, drove thousands of Protestants to America, scarcely any Catholics emigrated.
The grand political parties at this time consisted of those who, on all occasions, endeavoured to promote the English interests, even at the expcnce of the interests of their own country, and those who called themselves patri • ots, and who professed to look only to the advantage of Ireland, and to regard that advantage as too often sacrific ed to the views of the British parliament. In the Duke of Dorset's first administration, which began in 1731, there was a grand struggle between these two parties in the par liament: Those in the British interest were desirous of granting the supplies for the payment of the national debt to the crown for 21 years, instead of only from one session to another ; but a motion to this effect was negatived in the House of Commons, by a majority of ono.
At length, in 1745, when a rebellion raged in tlie heart of Britain, and when the British ministry, conscious of the harsh and unjust manner in which they had treated Ireland, were apprehensive that she also would encourage the Pre tender, they sent over the celebrated Earl of Chesterfield, who so well discharged his duty, that he discountenanced all party distinctions ; gave to the Catholics the full pro tection of the laws; and, by similar conduct in other re spects, prevented the Irish from even indulging a Wish to support the Pretender ; so that the unexpected and singu lar spectacle was exhibited, of Ireland tranquil and loyal, at a time when Scotland, and even England, teemed with favourers of the exiled family ; a decided proof, that confi dence, liberality, justice, and kindness, possess more influ ence over the Irish nation than harshness, suspicion, and violence. To the disgrace of the British government, they permitted Ireland to enjoy the benefit of such a lo•d-lieu tenant only till they were free from danger ; for, immedi ately after the battle of Culloden, Lord Chesterfield was re called.
Scarcely had he left Ireland, when intrigues and party revived. At the head of the English interest was a prelate of the name of Stone, who was raised to the supre macy as a reward for his past, and a retaining fee for his future services. Perhaps, in few instances, has the
church ever been disgraced by such a worthless and pro fligate character ; his public conduct, as well as his pri vate, was totally without principle, and proved, that with all principle he had thrown aside all shame. At the head of the patriots were Henry Boyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and an apothecary of the name of Lucas. The latter was a man of undaunted spirit, and of great activity of mind, and both were employed in investigating and pro mulgating what he considered the rights of his country. His publications on this subject gave such alarm to Go vernment, that the attorney-general was directed to prose cute him. In consequence of this he left his country ; but afterwards returned, and was elected to parliament by the city of Dublin.
In 1749, the power of the Irish parliament was again brought under discussion, in consequence of the intended application of the surplus of the hereditary revenue of the crown towards the payment of the national debt. The question was, whether the right of disposing of this sur plus was vested in the king or the Irish House of Com mons ; or, in other words, whether his majesty's previous consent was necessary. At this time the English party gained their point ; but when the question was renewed in 1753, the patriots were victorious.
At length, in 1755, the British government seemed dis posed to accede to the wishes of the Irish nation, and to think that the real interests of Ireland ought, at least in sonic degree, to be consulted. Stone was removed from the privy council by the king's command ; Boyle was cre ated Earl of Shannon ; and several others of the patriots were placed in situations of emolument and influence. But it soon became evident that the patriots, as they styled themselves, had carried on the struggle with the crown, rather to support and extend their own influence, than from any regard to the wishes, or real benefit of the people. In fact, it had been too much the struggle of the aristocratic party against the crown ; and while they were kept out of office, they took the side of the people, in order to strength en themselves, which they were too much disposed to desert when they had brought the crown to their own terms.