At that time Sir George Trevelyan rightly took credit to
him- self and to his then colleagues, for his and their conscientious- ness. Why cannot he believe that the Liberal Unionists are still inspired by similar motives P They support a Tory Govern- ment because they conscientiously believe it is carrying out a right policy in Ireland. They demand that Mr. Gladstone shall prove that his conduct is loyal by making specific and intelligible, not general and vague, offers of conciliation. Lastly, they can- not regard the Irish Members as loyal subjects till they change their language and their acts. Mr. Evelyn Ashley, the Liberal Unionist candidate, has been showing the utmost pluck and determination in the conduct of his election. His speeches have been manly and vigorous, and often enlivened by touches of genuine humour. For instance, he illustrated Sir George Trevelyan's position by the old explanation of the advantages of the stage.coach :—" If an accident happens to the coach, why, there you are; but when it's an expresstrain, why, where are you?" "Where are you P" when applied to Sir George Trevelyan on Home-rule, is certainly a very difficult question. We cannot help fancying that the electors will feel this, and that it is by no means impossible that the Unionists will carry the seat, or at any rate diminish the Gladstonian majority.
Previous page
