d British India, send
deputies to the Imperial or Federal Parliament. You may thus for a
moment, under the pretence of uniting the Empire, not only divide
the United Kingdom, but deprive England or Great Britain, in form
at least, of that political supremacy and predominance which is the
real bond of union and peace not only throughout the United
Kingdom, but also throughout the length and breadth of the British
Empire. I do not tremble for the power--the lawful and legitimate
power--of England. Political devices, however crafty, break down
whenever they are opposed to the nature of things. I know that
unity is increasing throughout the Empire not through the cunning
or the statecraft of politicians, but through the whole course of
events. One part of our Imperial system becomes daily under the
effect of railways, steamers, telegraphs, and the like, nearer and
nearer to every other part. The sentiment of unity which is more
valuable than any law aiming at formal federation each year gains
strength. What I do fear and insist upon is the danger that a
legislative dictatorship conferred on a party, and therefore
necessarily taken away from the nation, should be employed in the
attempt, vain though it ultimately must be, to deprive the
predominant partner of a predominance requisite for the maintenance
both of the United Kingdom and of the British Empire.

The four reflections at any rate which may be suggested by _A Leap in
the Dark_ are well worth the consideration of the loyal citizens of the
United Kingdom.

A.V. DICEY.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Its technical title as given in the Bill is the Irish Government
Act, 1893.

[2] See _Annual Register_, 1893 (New Series), p. 180.

[3] See especially pp. 39, 40, 41-43 _post._

A LEAP IN THE DARK[4]

FOOTNOTES:

[4] My readers are earnestly recommended to study Mr. Cambray's _Irish
Affairs and the Home Rule Question_. It brings the history of the Home
Rule movement well up to date, and strengthens almost every argument
against Home Rule to be found in _A Leap in the Dark._ The notes in
square brackets are new.

CHAPTER I

OLD AND NEW CONSTITUTION

The Home Rule Bill[5] contains a New Constitution for the whole United
Kingdom.[6]

The Bill bears on its face that its object is 'to amend the provision
for the Government of Ireland'; it is entitled 'The I