The New York herald., 1873-12-08
The Home Rule Movement Defined BY the
National Democratic Leaders.
Special Herald Interview with
Professor Butt, M. p.
What the Nation Demands from the Crown
and Parliament of Britain.
The Conference in the
Island Capital.


Mr.. Isaac Butt ls by the iorce OF circumstances
rather than by original selection. the acknowl-
edged leader OF the home rule movement in Ire
land. That is to say. with many powerful antip
athies and prejudces, some well founded, some i'll
founded, not long since arrayed against him. his
great abilities devoted to the service OF the pop
ular cause have carried him trumphantly to o
position OF influence and power, such as has been
obtained by no other man since O'Connell's time.
He was called to the Bar In 1888, obtained his silk
gown in 1874, and made his great successes in the
defence OF Smith OBren in 1s4s and OF the Fenians
in 1866. He is hale. hearty man OF 60 years OF age,
with norid face and snow-wnlte hair, and afable
and genial in manner.
INTERVIEW WITH THE IRISH TRIBUNE.
have just interviewed the gentleman. Mr.. Butt
received me very courteously at his residence in
Eccles street, and expressed his Willingness to
give me all the Information required. The follow
ing conversation then ensued:-
| CORRESPONDENT have seen mention frequently
made OF the "Home Rule Associations May ask
how this body is supported?
Mr. BUTT-So far the home rule business has been
managed by private committee; the expenses
have been betrayed by subscription OF 81 year
| from each member OF the Association, and
| special subscription which amounted to about
| f1,0oo Funds, however, are scarcely wanted just
yet; the question Will be entered into at the con-
ference whichit is proposed to hold.
CoRREspoNDENT-You above all other men en-
/ gagged in this movement, have had an opportunity
OF gauging its power.
] Mr.. BUTT have, and 1T is enormous. You can
have no conception Oft had no idea the feeling
in favor OF home rule was SO strong until went
among the people.
/ CoRREsPoNDENT-ALd you hope to see large
number OF home rulers in the next Parliament
! Mr.. BUTT hope to see about so, but am told
am over sanguine.
/ CORREsPoNDENT-Some OF these, suppose, win
use the home rule cry ior election purposes with
out believing in it.
| Mr.. BuTT-A certain percentage, no doubt; but
/ that is matter which must be lett to the con.
stituencles themselves They must look out for
men they can confide in judging by their previous
character whether they are trustworthy or not.
| CoRREsPoNDENT-Do you think that home rule
| can be looked upon as softening down OF
Fenanism?
Mr.. BUTT do. believe that many people who
4 were Fenians are now inclined to take the federal
| view, ana will be content If Irishmen have the
| management OF Irish affairs. think the prevail
ing feeling among them IS, that they ought to
| acquiesce in federalism without any recourse to
physical force. will tell you curious coincidence
about this. When first began to speak in public
about home rule several people told me that
snOulu never Satisfy the lrlSu people, especially
the Irish party, with such a moderate proposal.
| About this time met man whom knew to have
been engaged as leader in the Fenian conspiracy
1 asked him II he knew anything OF the general
| feeling OF the people constituting the advanced
party. He said eyes" 'What do you
think,n asked. "these people will say If ask
them to join the federal movement 2" 'Do you
know" said he, "that l have rsked my life ~
ayes Ido," was my reply. "Wel, then," said he, ~
am certain that any man who has looked the scaf-
todd In the face and ready to plunge the coun-
try into insurrecton because he thought it was his
dnty, would be only too glad to see any honorable
settlement" BY this you can understand that the
people will look to their own Parliament for the
redress of their own grievances instead OF joining
| secret societies.
CoRREsPoNDEST-And the movement is spread
ing2
Mr. BUTr-Undoubtedly. great many persons
who were at first merely sympathizers now
ardent supporters.
CORRESPONDENT do you consider the Church act
good measure for the country
Mr.. BUTr-It has undoubtedly had good effect.
! CoRREsP0NDENT-And the Land act
Mr.. BUTT DO not think the Land act satsfac-
tory; never thought it would be- The value OF
| land has increased, but not much.
| CoRRESPoNDENT-But is not the country gener-
| ally improved since the passing OF the Land act
Mr.. Butt think not; IL has not had time to
take effect. The farmers are very well on.
CoRREsPoNDENT-What part will the Catholic
clergy take in this matters
Mr.. BUrr-They have not pledged themselves TO
take any part
/ CoRREsPoNDENT-What do they intend to do with
4 regard TO University education?
/ Mr.. BUTr-They will never be satisfied with any.
thing less than the establishment OF Catholic
| University.
/ CoRREspoNDENT-Wha in your opinion win be
the result OF the establishment Of the ballot in the
next eection?
| Mr. BUTr-lt will be entirely favorable In the
counties to popular interests, but not in some OF
the boroughs.
| CoRREsPoNDENT-You are aware that at present
this movement has but little support in England?
Mr.. BUTT think / shall be able to create a
healthy influence in England and to make the Eng
sh people see the injustice under which we labor.
l have scarcely met any really right-minded Eng
lishman who has not said to me, 'If you can
satisfy us that you are not seeking any more than
you say you will have difficulty In carrying your
project through l have addressed several meet.
ings in English towns, and at every place went
to l gained members for the association. Then
there is a very powerful element in the Scotch
TOW which also has great influence.
CoRREsPoNDENT-wnen do you propose to bring
the question OF home rule before the House OF
Commonsp
Mr.. BUTT-Certainly not until after the next elec-
ton.
CoRREspoNDENr-Has anything been said about
IL in the House?
Mr.. BUTr-The late Mr.. Mcguire brought forward
a motion some two years ago. but the question
was'not ripe.
CORRESPONDENT have seen 1t suggested In one
OF the English papers that the home rule party
would probably vote en- n,asse with whichever
side OF the House assured them o; ready ear for
their grievance. DO yon imagine that would be
the case
Mr.. BUTT-It Is very hard to say. Ishould not ike