The Irish "Crystal Palace" has been opened with all the
honours that "the Castle" can give, and it promises to be a brilliant show. The building is praised as superior to the London edifice : the spirit of the Irish promoters is unquestionable ; and although Mr. Dargan, who disinterestedly undertook the whole charge, waived both profit and a Castle knighthood, it is to be hoped that he will not escape without some tangible recognition of his patriotic example for Irish enterprise. At all events, the Crys- tal Palace of Dublin is a great fact, superior to the standard of "Irish facts" in general; and perhaps it may help the understand- ing of that eccentric country, in the concrete, to obtain some ele- mentary knowledge as to the essentials which constitute a fact,— existence being perhaps the first essential condition. The imi- tation of the Irish example in following London, by New York and Scotland, may possibly infuse a solid self-respect into our Repeal neighbours ; and if so, the political and social consequences may be important.
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