Mr. Gladstone has issued a general order to the electors
: "Above all other present purposes, vindicate the rights of the House of Commons as the organ of the nation ; and es- tablish the honour of England as well as consolidate the strength of the Empire, by conceding the just and con- stitutional claims of Ireland." That really means, of course, vote for refusing the House of Lords its traditional legis- lative independence, and vote for Irish Home-rule ; though, interpreted in the Unionist sense, the mere words might be accepted by any Unionist elector. Of course we acknowledge heartily Mr. Gladstone's perfect right to use his great personal influence for the cause for which he has himself fought so long and with such heroic ardour. But if he enters into the melee, he will of course not object to having it pointed out that, if the reporter for South .Africa on the Tantallon Castle' can be trusted, Mr. Gladstone not only accepted Mr. Parnell as a true Irish patriot, but apparently reproached himself for having thrown him over when the Nonconformist conscience revolted at the judgment given against him in the Divorce Court. Can so ardent a Parnellite be trusted as a counsellor in Irish affairs?
