Drifting Towards Rebellion (1795 – 1797)

Above: Towards Rebellion

A few days after the departure of lord Fitz- william, the new lord lieutenant earl Camden arrived. Grattan brought in his emancipation bill, but it was rejected by more than three to one.

The people were exasperated and desperate; and the active spirits came to the fatal determination to attempt revolution, hoping for foreign aid and the ultimate establishment of a republic. The United Irishmen banded themselves as a secret oath-bound- and of course illegal society, with branches all through the country, and a central directory of five persons in Dublin. Every precaution was taken for secrecy, but the government were kept well acquainted with their proceedings through Leonard MacNally and others within their body.

By May this year-1795-the organisation of the new society was complete. Tone had taken an active part in it; but now he had to leave Ireland. He was compromised by some evidence that had come out on Jackson’s trial; but he escaped prosecution by the interest of powerful friends, on condition that he should immediately quit the country. Before leaving Dublin he promised the leaders that he would negotiate for help in America and France. Passing on his way through Belfast he took three leading members to Mac Art’s Fort on the very summit of Cave Hill overlooking the town, and there made the same promise, and got them to swear to work to the last for Irish indepen- dence. He then sailed for America.

In consequence of tlie penal code Catholic young men who wished to become priests had long been in the habit of going to France tor their education. The government, in order to stop this, as they feared the introduction of revolutionary principles, founded the college of Maynooth this year-1795-for the education of the Catholic clergy, and endowed it with an annual grant of 8,000.