A TOUR OF OBSERVATION. WITH REMARKS ON IRISH PUBLIC QUESTIONS. BY JAMES MACAULAY, M.A., M.D., EDIN., LONDON: 65, CORNHILL, & 12, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1873. 226. j. 202. PREFATORY NOTE. RELAND in 1872" is a wide theme, upon "IR which one might expatiate through many volumes. I confine myself to points which now most occupy public attention, and to matters which seem chiefly to determine the existing social and political situation. We are always hearing about the improved state of Ireland. In its material wealth there are proofs of prosperity and progress, yet its government remains the difficulty of statesmen. Are the disturbing elements social, political, or religious? I endeavour to show how far each of these classes of questions affect the general condition of the country. I have only a few prefatory remarks to make. In speaking of the Catholic influence, I am careful to distinguish between the Irish Catholics and the |