How superficial is the real belief in Irish Home-rule amongst
many of the strongest Radicals, is curiously shown by the letter of Mr. Atherley Jones (M.P. for North-West Durham) to the Times of yesterday, in which he says openly that if Mr. Parnell holds to his position as leader of the Irish Party, he thinks the Liberals should give up Irish Home-rule altogether, and fight the General Election on the old Liberal issues,—namely, we suppose, Disestablishment, the doctrine of "One man, one vote," a new registration of electors with shorter terms of residence required, triennial Parliaments, an anti-denominational school policy, the reform or abolition of the House of Lords, and so forth. Mr. Atherley Jones is not willing to sacrifice English Radicalism any longer to Irish impracticability. We have no doubt that Mr. Atherley Jones does not stand alone in his view. Mr. Gladstone has evi- dently not succeeded in inspiring in his followers his own passionate belief in the necessity of conceding to Ireland a separate Legislature and Administration. They have taken up this doctrine at his bidding, but are almost eager for an opportunity of casting it away again.
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