The shadow of the Elections is on everything. The Irish
Members on Wednesday actually carried a Bill for allowing the formation of Volunteer Corps in Ireland, the Attorney-G- eneral
for Ireland observing that her Majesty's Government saw no objection to the proposal, though he should, in Committee, insert some restrictive or precautionary clauses. The concession, whatever its motive, is creditable to the Government, and we hope, as it is to be made, it will be made generously and completely, and that the Volunteers will be allowed to wear the national colours. It is ridiculous to consider the kilt honourable, and the green and gold traitorous. Everything which increases the variety and movement of life in Ireland soothes discontent; the population loves soldiering, and once in uniform, the Irish have never forfeited their military honour. The Volunteers will be drawn from a higher class than the Militia, and the Militia are as trustworthy as in England. The Volunteers will, we believe, be perfectly loyal:and if they are not, it would be easier and better to fight an armed Ireland, and then govern it like India, than to go on with this half-concealed, irritating mistrust. If Irishmen are to be represented, let them be free.
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