23 OCTOBER 1886, Page 2

Dr. Hanna, who has been preaching in Belfast for thirty-four

years, and who, he says, "would be acknowledged as representing the whole genius of the Protestant community," declares that the ultimate origin of the riots was religions feeling, exasperated by the conflict over Home-rule ; but makes a remarkable sug- gestion for preventing future riots. He would, he says, swear in 5,000 special constables-2,500 from each creed—and let them do the work of repression, instead of the Royal Constabulary, whom he evidently distrusts as too excitable. The special constables, he says, representing as they would both parties, would never be attacked. If the facts are correct, that sug- gestion is admirable ; but where is Dr. Hanna's evidence that the rancour of faction-feeling, which he admits to exist, would not break out among his specials ? It would not in England, where the word " duty " is superior to all other influences ; but would it not in Belfast ? If Dr. Hanna is right, no one need fear for the future of his tows ; but it seems too good to be true.