The promotion of talent is always gratifying, even when that talent is employed on the side of opponents. Mr. Lucas deserves a reward, which we should like to see him get, for having lately distinguished himself. Among the Hibernian intelligence, the other day, it was reported that, at a tenant-right meeting, a Dr. M'Knight having accused him of an act of treachery to the cause, the honourable gentleman declared the doctor's statement to be an "unmitigated lie." Mr. Lucas has often distinguished himself by the use of similar expressions; and what is remarkable, he has not distinguished himself by anything else, except by a veneration of the Pope and a hatred of his Protestant fellow subjects—if his hatred for Protestantism stops there. But it is precisely the limited nature of the ability which he has displayed which entitles him to preferment: and we are sure we speak the sentiments of all moderate politicians when we say that Dr. Newman's "Catholic" University cannot do less than appoint the Hon. Member Professor of the Vulgar Tongue.
We would also commend Mr. Lucas's merits to the attention of Her Majesty's advisers. We might as well have diplomatic relations with Rome, as with any other of the absurd and semi-barbarous Governments to which we send an envoy. Let those relations then, be established, and our vituperative ex-friend despatched as ambassador to the Pope. The only fear is that the salary which, of course, would be attached to the appointment would stop his mouth, or, at least, deprive his eloquence of that only quality which renders it remarkable—that peculiar strength of language without which it would be wholly unadorned. That this would not much signify one way or the other is not quite true. It is of some consequence to the community at large to be presented, from time to time, with an example of the effects of popish bigotry on the human feelings and intellect, as afforded by the unrestrained rhetoric of Mr. Lucas.
THE OLD FLAG.
One voice from sea to sea,
One thought from shore to shore,—
"Peace if without disgrace still peace may be,
War, if we must have war!"
Curs'd be the hand that draweth brand,
While swords with honour can be spared: