Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have to acknowledge the reception of dispatch No. 2135, of the 25th of February.
The debate upon the state of Ireland was commenced last night in the House of Commons by Mr. Maguire, the member for Cork. It will probably continue for some time and develop the conflicting nature of the views held by the various sections into which the body is now divided. It is the wish of a portion of the opposition to assume some ground upon which a trial of strength may be made with the government. But it is very doubtful whether anything they could select would concentrate the party sufficiently to secure a triumph. It is alleged that the number of members who are likely to lose their seats on an election under the new reform act is so considerable, that nothing which may involve a question of immediate dissolution is likely to find favor; besides which, any attempt to overthrow the Irish church establishment, the most assailable of all grievances, is met by a degree of resistance from allies in this kingdom which is not the less effective because it makes little noise.
[Page 174]It is expected that this debate will ultimately draw out much of the leading ability of the House. I transmit a copy of the Times, containing a report so far as it has yet gone.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.