It is stated that the Irish Tories are much divided
on the sub- ject of the Irish Church. They dread Mr. Disraeli's scheme, which would, they say, endow Catholicism with 400,0001. a year, and think Mr. Gladstone's offer to leave them three-fifths the best they are likely to get. They will fight of course for all, but without much heart. A majority of Presbyterians are friendly to the Liberal measure, and the Dublin Evening Mail, the Orange organ, says Mr. Gladstone's proposal cuts off as with the fall of a portcullis the entrance of the real pretensions of Rome. She can never hope after its acceptance to be an established and ascendant Church in Ireland. The Dublin Evening Post, the organ of the Catholic Liberals, publishes a most eloquent expression of grati- tude to England, declares that the hour of conciliation is not past, and reminds Ireland that for the first time, England, instead of yielding to a demand, has stepped forward with a free gift. The popular tone in Ireland will immensely increase the facilities for passing the measure.
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