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“ But it is probable that I do not perfectly understand what ismeant by the terms British Connection ; and there is no greatersource of error in reasoning, than the using terms without annex-ing to them definite ideas.
“ Is it then meant by British connection, on which Irish pros-perity is said to depend, that the trade and manufactures of Great Britain are to be crippled in operation, and limited in extent, inorder that those of Ireland may be invigorated and enlarged ? —No ; the Irish are too liberal a people, to have formed so selfishan expectation. Is it meant by British connection, that the landsand property of Great Britain are to be mortgaged to the lastguinea in building, equipping, and maintaining fleets for the pro-tection of the coasts and the commerce of Ireland ? No ; theIrish are too just a people to desire that Great Britain shouldmake so dear a sacrifice. Is it meant by British connection, thatwhen Ireland shall have become rich and powerful, and shallhave established a beneficial commerce with Holland , Spain ,France , or any other country, and Great Britain having declaredwar against any of those countries, is it meant that Ireland shallbe at liberty to remain at peace, and to prosecute her commercialadvantages, leaving Great Britain to fight her own battles ? - No;Ireland is too wise a nation not to see, that this conduct would bea direct separation. What then can be meant by British con-nection, except this ; — that Great Britain and Ireland shall forever have the same friends and the same foes; that they shallhave a common strength ; that this common strength shall besupported by a common purse, to which each shall contributeaccording to its ability; - that this common strength shall bedirected by a-coincidence, or rather by an identity of councils;