6 DECEMBER 1890, Page 18

The Irish hierarchy have not come out of the crisis

with any credit. They have declared against Mr. Parnell's leadership at last; but they hesitated and delayed till Mr. Gladstone had forestalled them, and by forestalling, had forced their hands. Their condemnation of his conduct as shown in the Divorce Court was not spontaneous, and the chances are that it will not be effectual. The Irish people have shown rather a decided fancy in these latter years for setting their Bishops at defiance.