THE POSITION OF MR. REDMOND.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIB.,—The powerful article of the Times on July 22nd ends with these words: " Mr. Asquith has undeniably made history, but not history which will place his name high on the roll of British statesmen. . . . Nemesis awaits him, secure of her prey, when he attempts to satisfy the impossible demands of his Irish masters." What do these words mean P One of the most curious features of the present situation is that, while Mr. Redmond is acclaimed as the Dictator, he has never allowed himself to reveal his plans or to make any exact statement of the objects of Home Rule. It is always vague phrases of the right of Ireland to govern herself and the complete satisfaction of the Irish people when England con- cedes what in justice Ireland demands and the little debt England owes Ireland is paid.
But does the Ireland Mr. Redmond asserts he represents want Home Rule in any form which would satisfy the Nationalist adventurers by whom he is guided and perhaps governed?
It was very remarkable in Ireland that the enthusiasm for the King was as warm as the reception of the Some Rule Lord Lieutenant was cold.
I have bad the opportunity lately of conversing with some who ought to be thoroughly acquainted with Irish opinion, and one of whom was a very intelligent Carmelite priest. They all denied that, except in a limited class, there was any real enthusiasm for Home Rule. The farmers who have bought are becoming Conservatives and fear any change. The views of the heads of the Roman Catholic clergy are diffi- cult to ascertain. It is not Mr. Redmond who guides them but the Vatican.
The tradesmen in the provincial towns are afraid "Home Rule " might drive away their best customers.
It is true a certain number of the younger priests are Home Rulers, but they are completely under the control of their superiors. It is very doubtful whether the leading ecclesiastics in Ireland are desirous of such a measure as Mr. Redmond would be forced to introduce. What they do desire is the complete control of education in every form and the main- tenance of their present Ultramontane influence. Altogether the position is a very dark one. The great uncertainty which exists makes it the more clear that to refuse to recognize what Lord Lansdowne intimates is force majeure and to cling to the foolish cry of "No surrender" is suicidal folly.—
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