On the same night, also, the Secretary for Ireland, the
Earl of .Mayo (better known as Lord Naas), moved the first reading of the continuation of the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act. The classification of the occupations of the 265 Fenians arrested under it had been as follows :—Artizans, 90; labourers (agri- cultural, we presume), 66 ; shopkeepers and shop assistants, 28; professional men and clerks, 25; farmers, 11; officers, 10 ; miscellaneous, 35. The Earl of Mayo said that no person of station and influence had ever joined the conspiracy, from which he appeared to derive some comfort. For our own part, we think an obstinate conspiracy amongst the headless " fragments," as the mob is called in Coriolanus, a much more dangerous social sign, though far less formidable as a mere force, than a conspiiacy ably headed by the natural leaders of the people. The "dim common populations " will not conspire without trusted leaders, until they have become to the last degree embittered and vindictive. Every one admits that the continuation of the Suspension Act is necessary. But the Government are severely and deservedly criticized for not accompanying their request with any vital remedial measure.
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