On the following day, a meeting of the United Irishmen
was held in the news-room of the Waterloo Ilotel, in order to present Mr. O'Con- nell with a silver vase, as a testimony of respect, attachment, and grati- tude to him for his services in the cause of civil and religious liberty. 31r. O'Connell returned thanks in an eloquent speech; in which he enforced the necessity of proceeding peaceably and lawfully to obtain political improvement.
An address from Kelso was then presented; after which Mr. O'Con- nell went to the Calton Conversing-rooms, where he was met by the delegates of the Trades' Unions. His health was drunk with three times three, Dr. Browne giving the honours after the Gaelic fashion. Mr. O'Connell then delivered another speech, with his usual energy. He alluded to the attacks upon him in the house of Lords- " It was stated in one of the Clubs that at one time a dog bad bitten the bishop ; whereupon a noble lord who was present, said, ' I will lay any wager that the bishop began the quarrel.' (Loud laugh(er.) Now really the House of Lords began the quarrel with me. They may treat me as a mad dog if they please : I won't fight them, but I will treat them 85 the Quaker treated the dog which had attacked liiiir. !leaven forhid,' said he, 'that I should do thee the slightest injury. I am a man of peace, and I will not hurt thee ;' but when the dog went away, lie cried out, Mad dog, mad dug!' and all people set upon him. (Immense cheering and laughter.) Now that is my remedy with the Howe of Lords. I am IllnrC honest than the Quaker was, for the dog that attacked inn is really mad. Bills were rejected in the House of Loris simply because Daniel O'Connell supported them ; and I do say, that if I hail any twelve men on a jury on a question of lunacy, I would put it to that jury to say if such men were cut confirmed mad- men. So you perceive the dog is really mad—(Lauphter)—and, accordingly, I have started on this mission to rouse the public mind to the necessity of retimm- ing the House of Lords; and I have :7)0,000 men cheering me in Manchester, and 100,000 cheering me in Newcastle, and I heard one simultaneous cry— Down with the mad dogs and up with common sense. ( Cheers and (aughter.) The same cry has resouuded through Auld Reekie.' ( Cheers.) The Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat reechoed with the sound, and all Scotland has ex.. pressed the same determination—to use'every legitimate effort to remove the House of Lords."
The meeting separated amidst loud cheers.
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