The Home-rule Party just now does not appear to be
quite unanimous. The strongest man in it, Mr. O'Connor Power, a man much more acceptable to the true Irish heart than Mr. Parnell, has intimated at Nottingham that if the Government will give the " three they may be accepted. Mr. Blennerhassett has formally announced himself an Independent Liberal, and Mr. Shaw, with, it is said, fifteen followers, has formally seceded from the party, receiving, it is stated, letters of congratulation even from extreme Irishmen in doing so. The truth would seem to be that a section of Irish extremists is waking up to the perception that obstruction, whatever its other advantages, must always be sterile. If it were ever so successful, it could not produce a good Land Bill, and Ireland. is hungering for a good Land Bill. If that is stopped too long, Irish farmers may perceive that they are being obstructed first of all, and may " Boycott" some of their existing Members. Mr. Parnell, with all his really splendid self-restraint, is losing his temper, which is not a sign of victory.
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