THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT IN DUBLIN.
Ona last week's correspondent, an enlightened Englishman residing for the time in Ireland, again writes to us, backing-up his recom- mendation of a Parliamentary session in Dublin every third year. He entirely concurs with us in our view of separating the functions of the Imperial Parliament, and distributing them among different bodies; but he thinks, very correctly, that this must be preceded by discussions that would take two or three sessions at the least, whereas the thing wanted is an immediate measure. We, in effect, admitted as much—that it was a proposition only to be considered along with others for the permanent wellbeing of Ireland, and to be carried out in times of tranquillity. What the present crisis requires, our correspondent maintains, is-
" 1. An immediate measure. Your scheme, even under very favour. able circumstances, could not be carried into effect without a previous discussion of two or three sessions. In the mean time, the mischief, that calls for a remedy now, would be either remedied or have become irre- mediable. The change from a fixed to an ambulatory Parliament may be effected at once. All that- would be necessary is, that the Queen should issue a writ for the assembling of Parliament in Dublin, with an understanding that if the attendant inconveniences should not on trial prove too great, (and I think, I could show you that they would not be so great as they appear,) it should be done once every three years.
" 2. What is wanted is a measure that shall be calculated not only to benefit the Irish, but to appease their national or more properly local vanity ; which, by excitement, has become so inordinate as to blind them to every sober view of their real interests. In the present tem- perament of the Irish people, a local assembly for local purposes, how- ever guarded by statute, would be sure to aim at usurping the business and importance of a national legislature. Assemble the Imperial Parlia- ment now, and, while the inconveniences would do more than any ar- gument to bring about the reform you advocate, the Irish would be in training to make a sober use of that which at present would, I fear, be only a nucleus for agitation and sedition."
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