But against all these precautions passion by degrees prevailed, and when Mr.
O'Connell was reminded by Mr.Barry, of Cork, that in reply to the remonstrance he had pledged himself to abstinence from the irritating discussion, his apology was, that he thought the document in question and all proceedings connected with it were strictly private; as if the privacy of a solemn pledge dispensed with its obligation.
An episode in this strife deserves specific notice.

At a meeting of the Association, held on the 26th of May, the question was incidentally introduced.

Mr.Michael George Conway, a man of considerable literary and oratorical powers, but not distinguished for any very rigid piety, introduced the subject, evidently with the view of exciting Mr.
O'Connell's impulsive character against the species of restraint under which his sinister friends were continually hinting he was held.

The speech breathed the most fervent spirit of Catholic piety, seasoned with bitter invectives against what Mr.Conway described as a baffled faction in the Association.

Mr.O'Connell took off his cap, waved it repeatedly over his head, and cheered vociferously.