Mr. A. Maconachie, writing in Thursday's Times, quotes a remarkable
utterance from the Edinburgh Evening News,- " the only Anti-Unionist paper left in Edinburgh." It does not wonder, considering the shilly-shallying of the Minis- terialists as regards Home-rule, that the Anti-Parnellites art " growing tired of the hypocrisy of the Government." Has not the time come for honest treatment of the Irish question by the Government ? Home-rule on the old lines is an impos- sibility. " The enthusiasm which gave the Government its small majority at the last Election is gone, and never again can it be revived." The present hypocritical alliance with the Anti-Parnellite3 is most demoralising. " Take the case of the Local Veto Bill. If that measure was left to the considera- tion of English and Scottish electors, it would be ridiculed into oblivion. Moreover, if the Irish Members were free agents, they would vote against it ; but tied as they are to the Government they are compelled to give Sir William Harcourt their support. As it is, that support could only be given on condition that local veto was not extended to Ireland. Thus, as the outcome of the Irish alliance English and Scottish Liberals are compelled to take a ridiculous measure from Sir William Harcourt by the aid of the Anti-Parnellites, who again are voting against their views in order to please Sir William Harcourt." The sooner such an alliance ceases the better, and therefore the Edinburgh Evening News recommends a modified Home-rule Bill, which would unite the Liberal party. Unfortunately, however, a modified Home-rule Bill is a Bill which nobody wants and which would do the minimum of good and the maximum of harm.
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