The Limerick Chronicle says that Mr. O'CONNELL will decline election
to the next Parliament ; and cites a declaration made at Bandon by Mr. O'CONNELL himself as authority for the statement. The only passage in Mr. O'CONNELL'S speech which appears to bear this construction, is the following—" If the Orange faction in England persist in refusing justice to Ireland, 111 not go over again ; I'll remain in Ireland, singing the Repeal, and arousing the masses of the people in a peaceful and constitutional struggle for the liberties of their country."
If it is really Mr. O'Cossenes determination to retire from Parliamentary life, he will probably do a good thing both for himself and the public. In a twofold sense, his presence in Par- liament obstructs the progress of rational Liberality, perhaps in a greater degree than his commanding talents, devotedness to Ire- land, and, we believe, real sympathy with justice and freedom, are able to promote and serve it. To the crafty and unscrupulous members of one party, be is the ever-ready bugaboo, to frighten the bigots and the simpletons. Were he less conspicuous as a Member and maker of Members, a chief means of delusion would be withdrawn. On the other side, Mr. O'CONNELL'S exclusively Irish policy—his too easy sacrifice of great measures and principles to minor Irish ends—and the bad influence of his temporizing upon other :Members—have helped to lower the character of the Liberals in the Douse of Commons, and degrade Representatives of the People into mere lackies of the :MELBOURNE Ministry.
