AN IRISH UNIONIST ON ENGLAND.
ITO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—The main impression which I have derived from a recent visit to England after more than five continuous years in Ireland is that the attitude of a great many Englishmen towards this distracted island is that it is a pity that Sinn Feinent and Unionists cannot agree, but that, if they cannot or wits not, it would be just as well to let them fight it out. A moil .hopelessly fatuous state of mind it would be hard to conceive. A deadly hatred of England and a consuming desiro tc humiliate her and to destroy the British Empire are of the essence of Sinn Fein and of the Bolshevism with which it is now allied. Agreement between Sinn Feiners and Irish Unionists will only be possible when the latter have become so thoroughly disgusted with the imbecility and vacillation of English politicians that they will be ready to throw in their lot with the irreconcilable enemies of England. Such a solu- tion of " the Irish difficulty " seems less improbable now than it has ever been before, and it will be an evil day for England if it ever comes about. As for the "let them fight it out " policy, words fail one to characterize it as it deserves. What would be thought of the father of four sons, one of whom had always been loyal and stuck to him through evil and good report, thereby incurring the enmity of the other three who had never lost an opportunity of stabbing their father in the back, if, instead of compelling them to behave themselves, he left them free to attack his dutiful son and crush him if they could? I have always, till quite lately, believed firmly in the Union, but recent events and experiences have made me doubt whether the England of to-day is worth sticking to or making sacrifices for any longer; I say it with sorrow, for most of my best and dearest friends have been Englishmen.—I am, Sir, &c.„
DISILLUSIONED, OR NEARLY SO.
Somewhere in Ireland.
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