1-5-1848 From the Tipperary Vindicator. At length, thank Heaven, Ireland is aroused. The energies of this old Irish nation are at last awakened-the ardent hopes and fond aspirations of the people are soon to be realised by the achievement of that constitutional freedom for which we have so long and so determinedly toiled. Another year must not pass before we shall have gained for Ireland a national parliament, presiding over national institutions-infusing new life and vigour into the national energies, and basing its strength on the policy of Ireland for the Irish. From a series of events, unparalleled in the history of the world, a great crisis has come upon us. To the exigencies of the hour we trust and believe Irishmen will be found equal. This is no time for the Whigs to be hypocritically prating of augmented "franchises", increased "representatives", convenient "polling booths". etc, etc,. But this is a time for Ireland to work out with a fearless and bold resolve, the entire emancipation of this, our beloved country, from the machinations by which Whiggism has beset it. To the task, then-let us set ourselves in right earnest. Amongst all the projects which have been placed before the public mind, we confess we see but one which can save the country from the imminent perils by which it is menaced. Young and enthusiastic men have adopted a policy upon which, now that we are gagged by "law", we can, of course, offer no opinion. But our "rulers" have adopted measures, which, notwithstanding the aforesaid "law", we must denounce as traitorous to the Kingdom.--We are firmly resolved to bring the present ministry, and every other ministry that will not concede the rights of Ireland, to a sense of what public opinion pronounces in their regard. No matter what courses others may adopt, we still cling to the great teachings of our departed Leader, constitutional efforts for freedom, at the same time we are thoroughly convinced that these exertions must be characterised by a steady, resolute, and unwavering determination. As the advocate of moral means alone for the attainment of our objects, we at once declare that this national council appears to our judgement as the only legal means by which this Kingdom can be raised up to the high and proud position which God and nature intended she should enjoy. To save this land from civil war-which otherwise we tremble to think is inevitable--we counsel this great national movement. The recent effort of Lord John Russell to intimidate the people by declaring, that whilst life was left him he would resist the Repeal of the Union, has for ever annihilated any hope of obtaining justice -viz., Repeal from the English parliament. To the Queen of Ireland we are about appealing- but after all the great hope of Ireland is the Irishmen themselves. Let Irishmen of all creeds, classes, and sections--Protestants, Catholic, and Presbyterian-- Young and Old Ireland---meet together, and resolve what is to be done for the salvation of our native land. Let them meet within the limits of our constitution--beyond the powers of the law, but let them meet resolved that Ireland must have her rights. Let these Irish Gentlemen meet in Dublin, or in Kilkenny, or in Limerick--not as delegates or representatives, (that might be "illegal"), but in the words of O'Connell, "merely happening to come together by accident". We are glad that the Repeal Association has taken steps for having this project carried into practical operation. We understand it can be accomplished without any violation of the law. But the mere possibility of a prosecution should be no justification for abandoning the movement. By the state trials the legality of the association was itself demonstrated, should the government attempt a prosecution they will, we feel convinced, succeed in establishing the legality of the national assembly. Here, then, is a great national effort in which all Irishmen can combine. May God prosper it.