There were few events connected with Ireland which possessed any
peculiar general interest. The alacrity with which recruits entered
service for the war, and the terrible proceedings of the disloyal Ribbon
Societies, were remarkable. Thus Ireland at once exhibited a generous
loyalty and a sanguinary sedition. The newspapers were literally filled,
during the closing winter months, with recitals of murders or attempts
at murder. The character of the assassinations was even more than
usually brutal and vindictive; and although some of the criminals were
arrested and punished, government was even more than usually remiss in
applying remedies to a condition of society so deplorable. Among the
events in Ireland which excited most horror and astonishment in Great
Britain, were those connected with burning the Bible. There was much
excitement among the Roman Catholic religious orders, and efforts were
made by them to create a species of revival in various parts of the
country. On some of these occasions the Bible was burned during the
fervour of fanaticism excited.