Mr. Gladstone, in commenting on this explanation, entirely denied any
negotiation or transaction of any kind with the released prisoners. The Government were convinced that there was evidence that if released they would no longer use their influence for the subversion of order, but rather in favour of it, and with good effect in favour of it in case the arrears measure was found by them satisfactory ; and being so convinced, they had no choice but to release them. Mr. Parnell, Mr. Dillon, and Mr. O'Kelly all spoke repudiating any agreement, and still more repudiating any request on their part for a release ; but Mr. Parnell did not attempt to conceal that he had both spoken and written his conviction that if the arrears measure of the Government were satisfactory, the motive for the outrages would be greatly diminished ; while be and his friends would be able to co-operate to some effect with all persons who deplored those lamentable outrages, and who ,wished to see peace and prosperity restored to Ireland.
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