there is
no measure of self government which Great Britain would not assent to
being set up in Ireland, if Irishmen themselves could but come to an
agreement. Before such a compromise between Irish parties is possible
there must be a clear understanding of the ideals of these parties,
as they are understood by themselves, and not as they are presented
in party controversy by special pleaders whose object too often is to
pervert or discredit the principles and actions of opponents, a
thing which is easy to do because all parties, even the noblest, have
followers who do them disservice by ignorant advocacy or excited action.
If we are to unite Ireland we can only do so by recognizing what truly
are the principles each party stands for, and will not forsake, and for
which, if necessary they will risk life. True understanding is to see
ideas as they are held by men between themselves and Heaven; and in this
mood I will try, first of all, to understand the position of Unionists,
Sinn Feiners and Constitutional Nationalists as they have been explained
to me by the best minds among them, those who have induced others of
their countrymen to accept those ideals. When this is done we will see
if compromise, a balancing of diversities be not possible in an
Irish State where all that is essential in these varied ideals may be
harmonized and retained.

3. I will take first of all the position of Unionists. They are, many
of them, the descendants of settlers who by their entrance into Ireland
broke up the Gaelic uniformity and introduced the speech, the thoughts,
characteristic of another race. While they have grown to love their
country as much as any of Gaelic origin, and their peculiarities have
been modified by centuries of life in Ireland and by intermarriage,
so that they are much more akin to their fellow-countrymen in mind and
manner than they are to any other people, they still retain habits,
beliefs and traditions from which they will not part. They form a class
economically powerful. They have openness and energy of character, great
organizing power and a mastery over materials, all qualities invaluable
in an Irish State. In North-East Ulster, where they are most homogeneous
they conduct the affairs of their cities with great efficiency, carrying
on an international trade not only with Great Britain but with the rest
of the world. They have made these industries famous. They believe that
their prosperity is in large measur