Mr. Gibson, on Monday, made a curious speech in Dublin.
He first roundly condemned the Government policy in Ireland,. accusing the Ministry of having used the Land League, and of then being defied and beaten by it, and of failing to display either "judgment, sagacity, or statesmanship." They shut their eyes to all dangers, and disloyalty had grown stronger than ever. Nevertheless, he maintained that, "owing to the- firm and fearless administration of the Crimes Act by Lord Spencer, order is better maintained than at any time for two years ;" and "regarding the whole position fairly, and balancing the good and the bad, I look on the condition of Ireland as grave- and anxious, such as to justify solicitude, to require caution,. care, and prudence ; but I cannot join in any cry of despair, and prefer to seek grounds for hope, although the quest may be- attended with some difficulty and discouragement." Consider- ing the badness of the Government, that is surely a hopeful view. The truth is, we suppose, that Mr. Gibson feels it his business to criticise, but as he understands Ireland, he cannot get rid of the perception that the Government is fairly successful.
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