23 SEPTEMBER 1916, Page 2

We record with pride as well as with much regret

the death in action of Professor T. M. Kettle. As an Irish Nationalist Member of Parliament he was one of the most persistent and forcible political haters of England. He was endewed with -very high abilities, he had read widely, and he had a stinging humour. But when the war broke' out• he did not hesitate about his-duty. He saw the meaning of it all. He "joined up," and died nobly in his faith that what was

right was worth fighting for. Let us add one word of caution. Mr. Kettle's example is not a discharge for the rest of Ireland, as it will perhaps be made out to be. The majority of Irishmen have not done their 'duty. They can no more be swept into a general com- mendation by Mr. Kettle's heroism than a group of people in a town can be said to have satisfied the tax-collector because an eminent man among them has paid every farthing due from him.