The effect of the disclosure,—though it was an open secret
to all who knew anything about the matter,—that the British nation will have to increase the National Debt by some £120,000,000 at the very least,—very likely more,—in order to buy out the Irish landlords, has been very singular. The most steadfast of the adherents of Home-rule are staggered at that element of the scheme. For even, if we succeed in getting out of what we should otherwise pay to Ireland, the interest on that sum for the next few years, who can tell how long we shall continue to do so P The Irish Parliament may very soon sow a crop of troubles more threatening than any dragon's teeth, and compel us to spend all, and more than all, that we have saved in a reconquest of Ireland ; and there would be the National Debt in all its old and frightful dimen- sions staring us in the face, with no gain to set off against it. Home-rulers of the most direct kind button up their pockets at the prospect of such a catastrophe, and say curtly, ' If it can't be done without such a sacrifice as that,—good-bye to Home- rule.'
