ibilities more or less remote; and then let us form our own
conclusions. And first as to opinions and evidence, let us hear Mr.
J.A. Froude, of all English historians the most famous expert on Irish
subjects. "The effect of Grattan's Constitution was to stimulate
political agitation and the conflict of the two races." That was a
Home Rule Parliament. And again Mr. Froude says:--"Ireland is
geographically and politically attached to this country, and cannot be
allowed to leave us if she wishes. In passing over the executive power
to an Irish Parliament we only increase the difficulty of retaining
Ireland. We shall alienate the loyal part of the population, who will
regard themselves as betrayed. The necessity of reconquest will
remain, but the evils of it and the bloodshed to be occasioned by it
will be infinitely enhanced. Such respect for law and order as exists
in Ireland is entirely due to English authority. Remove it, and the
old anarchy will and must return. If the Home Rule Bill is passed
there will be a dangerous and desperate war, in which other countries
may take part who would gladly see our power broken." In Mr. Froude's
opinion, there would be war between England and Ireland, as well as
between Ulster and the South. His last sentence is curiously confirmed
by the _Irish Daily Independent_, which says:--"What England forgets
is the fact that when next Ireland fights she will not fight alone."
This is not a warning, like the prophecy of Mr. Froude, it is a
threat, for the _Independent_ is not only a Nationalist, but an
intensely anti-English paper. Another great historian, Mr. Lecky, thus
expresses himself:--"The Parliament Mr. Gladstone proposes to set up
would be in violent hostility to the richest and most industrious
portion of the community. It is regarded with horror by nearly every
man who is a leader of industry in Ireland. All the great names in
Irish finance, manufacture, and trade are against it, and the men who
would undoubtedly lead it are men whom Mr. Gladstone not long ago
described with great justice as preaching the doctrine of public
plunder." The state of feeling here indicated could have but one
result; but Mr. Lecky is still more precise. "The assertion that Irish
Catholics have never shown any jealousy of Irish Protestants is of a
kind which I find it difficult to characterise with proper moderation.
Jealousy, unhappily, is far too feeble a word to describe adequately
the fierce reciprocal