Lord Kimberley took the earliest opportunity of stating that he
adhered to the new policy of the Government. He made a long speech on Wednesday night to the Herts Liberal Associa- tion, and, after denying all current reports, said it was abso- lutely impossible to keep political prisoners in prison for an indefinite period without trial. They must be released some day, and the proper day was the day on which the Government, in its responsibility, believed they could be released without danger to the country. He believed there were Irishmen, hitherto implacable, who now saw that the dangers to their country from the present state of affairs were becoming too great to be borne, and who, therefore, would not only retire somewhat from their position, but even assist towards a restoration of order. If they are rebels, the " first duty of Government is to make it possible for them to take a more reasonable view." He spoke as a man who had been Lord-Lieutenant, and he affirmed that in Ireland there was a large body of men filled with a deadly hatred of England ; and if he could soften that hatred by any measure of concilia- tion, he would. The remedy for Irish disorder was patient perseverance in removing grievances, and in maintaining the authority of law. We need strong measures to secure this latter end, and we shall ask Parliament for them." That is all true, but there should not be too much delay in stating the strengthening measures it is intended to propose.
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