26 OCTOBER 1878, Page 3

The Home-rule Confederation has met in Dublin this week,— after

the publication of a warm protest from Mr. Butt, who did not attend it,—but no reports of its secret proceedings were allowed, and even the public proceedings are briefly and poorly reported. It is clear that the attendance at the public meeting was very bad, the Rotunda not being half full at the time appointed for the opening of the meeting. The usual resolutions were passed, and Mr. Parnell spoke very strongly in favour of Parliamentary obstruction as the only fruitful policy. But thoroughgoing obstruction not even backed by Irish enthusiasm, is hardly possible. There is good hope of the Home-rule movement dying of inanition.