In the House of Commons on Wednesday and Thursday the
question of the Irish development grant—i.e., the grant to counterbalance the English education grant—was discussed. On Wednesday Mr. Wyndham announced that two patiiotic Irishmen, Lord Iveagh and Mr. Pirrie, had undertaken to Organise a system of local transportation in Ireland, which cannot fail to have the most beneficial effects on Irish agriculture and Irish industry generally. The means to be used are motor-waggons and motor-omnibuses. Lord Iveagh and Mr. Pirrie are to provide the neces- sary capital, and all the profits will be devoted towards the internal development of Ireland. The motors will apparently buy the farmers' produce at his doors, and convey it to large depots, whence it will be despatched to the beet markets. Needless to say, this admirable scheme for the benefit of Ireland is meeting with the most hearty approval. In this context, we may mention the sensational rumour that the Conservative party is going suddenly to abandon its Unionist policy and go in for Home-rule. The rumour-monger is notoriously impenetrable to argument. If not, we should be inclined to ask him the simple question,—Considering the fate that overtook the Liberal party when they adopted Home-rule, is it likely that any other party in the State will be tempted to follow their example?
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