The Chancellor of the Exchequer, who replied for the Government,
though admitting that in certain parts of Ireland there were disquieting features, and though declaring that he did not minimise or palliate them, insisted that the language used in the Press and by Mr. Balfour was wholly inappro- priate to anything which has taken place in Ireland,—a pro- position to which we must demur. It is difficult to speak too strongly of the condition of a country where a man and his mother may be shot going home from Mass, with the evident approval of their neighbours, though they have done nothing to justify the outrage but make a contract in regard to land of the most innocent and lawful kind ; or where a man who gives shelter and help to a wounded man is subject to the cruellest threats of vengeance. Mr. Asquith's explanation why the Crimes Act was not put in force strikes us as peculiarly weak. We are glad to see, however, that he made no attempt to defend cattle-driving. "I think," be declared, "it is not only criminal, but a stupid act, because, apart from all moral considerations, it seems to be calculated to strike a very serious blow at a flourishing and necessary Irish in- dustry." We agree ; but can any impartial critic say that the Government have used all the means in their power to stop actions which they deem so wicked and so injurious ?
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