This verdict may have serious political consequences. The Irish, who
have no alternative leader to bring forward, are expressing themselves everywhere as determined to continue their confidence in Mr. Parnell, and the Catholic Bishops, who ought to condemn him, will probably declare him to be, as a Protestant, outside their jurisdiction. The political Radicals in England take the same line, declaring, with per- fect truth, that it is ridiculous to vote for Home-rule and then refuse to Irishmen the right to elect their own future Premier. The whole Nonconformist section of the Liberals, however, re- fuse to subordinate their Moral judgment to any political neces- sity whatever, and insist through all their organs that Mr. Parnell must retire, a verdict in which they will be joined by the Presbyterian Churches. If, therefore, Mr. Parnell refuses to abandon his position, the effect in Parliament will be con- siderable, and at the polls it may be very great indeed, the religious Nonconformists, who hold more than the balance of power, refusing to vote for a party which tolerates such a leader. Mr. Parnell doubtless trusts greatly to the effect of time; but the Home-rule Party is now called by his name, and at the Election, England and Scotland will be placarded with the charge of the Judge in the Divorce Court.
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