In a letter published in the Times last Saturday Lord
Grey discussed Lord Loreburn's proposal of a Conference on the Irish question, and put forward his own opinion in favour of federalism. He agrees with Lord Loreburn that Ministers cannot abandon the Home Rule Bill unless a preferable alternative is forthcoming ; that the coercion of Ulster would cause more violent disturbance than has been known in our times ; and that Nationalists for their part would be provoked to violent rioting if the Bill were abandoned without an alternative
being found. For these reasons Lord Grey concludes that a solution by consent can alone save the situation in Ireland. Federalism, he says, could be accepted safely by all parties. But the essentials of federalism are flagrantly violated by the Home Rule Bill, and he adds :— " With the resistance of these four Ulster counties to this tyrannical and illiberal proposal I am in heartiest sympathy ; and, federal Home Ruler though I am, I feel so strongly with regard to the iniquitous attempt to dragoon these Ulstermen into a dishonourable condition of political servility, that I am prepared to take my stand with them in any action it may be necessary for them to take in their resolution to maintain for themselves the elemental rights of free men."
Strong words these for a man of Lord Grey's natural modera- tion of thought, and for one who has held some of the most responsible positions in the Empire, but in our judgment they are not a bit too strong for the base and illiberal action which
the Government propose.
