CHAPTER xm
AN account of the Chancellor's official work during
his four years in Ireland would require too much
detail for the scope of this hook; neither is the writer
competent to deal with so technical a matter. A brief
notice, however, may be given on the general aspect of
the subject.
By virtue of his office Lord Redesdale touched the public
life of the nation at many points. As Lord Chancellor he
was the most important member of the Viceroy's Council
and had a large share in the responsibility of government.
The impartial administration of justice lies at the foundation
of a people's prosperity and content. Letters and State
Papers now accessible prove how great was his anxiety to
establish and maintain a just and fearless exercise of the
law through the advancement of the best men available
for judicial posts. No trouble was too great and no time
was considered wasted in endeavouring to secure suitable
nominations for the most trivial, as well as the most im-
portant, offices and personal prejudice was never allowed
to weigh with him against real worth, in however unattrac-
tive a form it presented itself. He pressed on Hs plans of
administrative reform with great courage and resource,
and in doing so he not only encountered the hostility of
inefficient place-hunters in Ireland, but he was opposed
by a resolute clique in England, who made every effort to
get their own men nominated to lucrative posts, regardless
of their fitness or worth. Lord Redesdale was keenly
sensitive to vulgarity and discourtesy, and it cannot be
199