ARCHBISHOP CROKE.
[To TIM It MOE OP THE SPXCTATOR."] Sia,—If Dr. Croke's recent letter had for its object the closing of the doors of the British Treasury to all Irish needs, it was exceedingly well conceived. That letter should be read in con- junction with Mr. T. M. Healy's recent speech on the Address, as indicating the irreconcilable attitude the leading Nationalists are prepared to take np for the furtherance of their objects. It is a pity, however, that the Irish tenant-farmer does not under- stand the significance of the Archbishop's letter, and how it will affect him. So long as there is the probability of access to the British Exchequer for the means of settling the land question, so long will the Irish farmer be a lukewarm Home-ruler. To blast his credit, as Dr. Croke has endeavoured to do, with English financiers, is an insidious but very effective stroke in the direction of Home-rule. It closes one more avenue of hope, and makes men Home-rulers through despair. The influence of the letter will be in favour of anarchy in Ireland; but I sup- pose the Archbishop sees advantage for his Church in the reign of chaos. I expect he will be disappointed. From the English point of view, the publication of the letter is a decided gain. It helps to dissipate any rose-colour which may hang about Irish affairs, and shows English politicians the kind of men they have to deal with in the Irish hierarchy. Ire- land cannot sue to England in formes pauperis after so frank and reckless a disclosure, and with it the obligation of generosity will cease to be binding. The Archbishop has thrown upon the situation a very strong, though lurid light.
The New Ross Workhouse incident illuminates the Irish Question from another side. The kind of restraint which the Local Government Board exercised (on paper) over the Guardians.. is just the kind of restraint which it is proposed that the Imperial Government shall exercise (also on paper) over the Home-rule Parliament. But when a popular interest is involved,. the Guardians tear the law to tatters and go into open rebellion.
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