Mr. Morley's argument was chiefly directed to show the diffi-
culty of recurring to force in Ireland, and, of course, for his purpose he exaggerated the amount of force necessary. In describing the putting-down public meetings, locking-up dis- agreeable speakers, regulating disagreeable newspapers, sup- pressing disagreeable books, searching men's houses for arms, and suppressing the Irish representation, he described what, during Lord Spencer's last two years of Viceroyalty, was hardly done at all,—at least, only those meetings were suppressed where collisions with hostile populations were expected ; and the Press was left absolutely free. Mr. Gladstone's aim, on the contrary, would be, said Mr. Morley, to build up such a social order as should be founded on the affections of the people ; and Mr. Morley insisted that in healing the wounds of Ireland, the land- lord class must not be forgotten, for pains should be taken to secure to each class that to which it was really entitled. But besides restoring order and reconstructing society, satisfaction must be given to " the widely felt desire for self-government extending beyond what is felt by Great Britain as to local affairs." If Mr. Morley manages to effect all that without establishing in Ireland a Government whose main principle of action will be jealousy and hatred of England, he will prove himself a statesman indeed,—a statesman who is a wizard as well.
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