26 SEPTEMBER 1874, Page 15

GRATI'AN'S PROPHECY.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")

Sra,—In your last week's summary you allude to Grattan's prophecy to the effect that Ireland would yet send a hundred rascals into the House of Commons. You erroneously attribute this prophecy to Curran. The following are Grattan's words (upon the passing of the Act of Union) :—

" Well, my much injured country will have her revenge for all her wrongs. She will send into England, and into the bosom of her Parliament, and the very heart of her Constitution, a hundred of the greatest rascals that can be found anywhere."

" Moore's Diary," April 5th, 1831. Lord John Russell's "Life and Diary of Thomas Moore," Vol. VI., pp. 183, 184.-1 am,