21 JANUARY 1911, Page 2

Mr. Redmond alluded to Lord Courtney's letter in the Freeman's

Journal as a sign of the times. Lord Courtney's letter is a long discourse on the text video meliorci probogue, deteriora 'seguor. He is still " in wish and desire a Unionist," and believes one Parliament to be best for the United Kingdom. But "I have to recognise facts. We had not enough of the spirit of unity among us. Among Unionists, I must sadly confess, unity was too often lost in domination. And now we must prepare for Home-rnle," which Lord Courtney thinks may be passed in an autumn Session. This is the luxury of self-criticism run to seed. Because We are conscious of our imperfections that is

no reason why we should abandon the loyal minority in Ireland.