A conference of Irish Members of Parliament in favour of
Home-rule was held in Dublin on Tuesday, to settle if possible the quarrel between the Constitutional Home-rulers and the Obstructionists. It ended, on the whole, in favour of Mr. Butt. The Members present—including Mr. Parnell—agreed to "a Policy of energetic and united action, under the leadership of Mr. Butt," who is thus formally confirmed in his place as recog- nised mouthpiece of the party. They also passed a resolu- tion binding themselves, when possible, to act together, and avoid any course which would injure the unity of the party. These two votes would extinguish the Obstructives, but that they are followed by a third, in which the mem- bers agree to meet the Home-rule League, or others whom the Leaguers may invite, for a political consultation, in which it is understood, though not said, that Obstruction will be discussed. The final decision is therefore not given, but it seems probable that the momentary popularity of Obstruction in Ireland has declined under a longer examination, and Members who deprecate accepting invitations to dinner with a tacit resolution to prevent anybody dieing, are no longer afraid for their seats, They have been obliged, however, to pledge themselves to show "more energy," and we have yet to see what form " energy " will take.
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