Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... XLIX. VISCOUNT CLIFDEN. James Agae was a typical Irish political jobber. He had large estates in the county Kilkenny, which he "represented" for many years in the Irish Parliament. He also was the fortunate possessor of two pocket boroughs, which he farmed to the best advantage. He obtained high official situations in Ireland for himself by a careful disposition of his Parliamentary influence. One brother became a Commissioner of the Customs, another brother, Charles, became Bishop of Cloyne, Archbishop of Cashel, Archbishop of Dublin, Baron and Viscount Somerton, and Earl of Normanton. A sketch of the career of this prelate, who was a devout worshipper at the shrine of corruption, and the methods by which he enriched himself by the impoverishment of the Irish Church, has appeared in this series. James Agar's elevation to the peerage dates from the year 1776, when he was one of eighteen members of the Irish House DEGREESof Commons who were created peers simultaneously in consideration of a pledge to support the Government by their votes in the House of Lords and by their substitutes and influence in the House of Commons. Agar, whose title was Baron Clifden, kept his engagement so faithfully that four years later the LordLieutenant recommended his advancement in the peerage. "Lord Clifden," writes Lord Buckingham to Lord North, the Prime Minister, in 1780, "Lord Clifden has long and faithfully served the Crown." He is accordingly made, in January, 1781, Viscount Clifden for his zeal in opposing the policy of Mr. Grattan. Besides providing for his brothers, Viscount Clifden wished to see his eldest son saddled on the public funds. Accordingly, in 1785, this gentleman became clerk of the Irish Privy Council, a post which he held till the Union, ...
