New-York tribune., 1886-06-03
,rR. BLAfyE ON HOME EULE.

Mr.. Blainc's speech on Home Rule ranks with
Mr. Gladstone's oratory In argumentatlve skill
and elevation of tone. 1t is incompara0ly the
calmest. most reasonable and most judicious
American address on this subject that has been
made since Mr. Parnel became the leader OF
the irish cause and 1t deserves to be widely
rcad in England as an authoritative expression
of American opinion. 1t is remarkable alike
for luoidity of exposition and moderation OF
tcmner. At the same time It is bold, incisive
and original and contains passages of genuine
cloouence as we'll as argumentative power.
The simplicity with which the general ques-
ton of Home Rule and the land is presented Is
perhaps the characteristic feature OF this
speech, Mr. Blaine contends that Ireland, with
only 1O5 representatives in Parliament OF
65S members. cannot do the slightest thing
that implies legislative power. /! Is as helpless
an far AZ Homo Rule Is concerned as Maine
would be if 1t were linked with the State OF
New-York and allowed representation at
Albany. Legislative autonomy as an abstract
proposition he considers reasonable and natural
apart from the historic bearings Of centuries OF
wrong and oppression. Without critically ana
living Mr.. Gladstones measure he sympathizes
with any bill that rights the wrong and hands
over tho government of Ireland to its own
people. That Home Rule is essential to the re-
vival of prosperity in the island he demon
stratcs on economic grounds. He cites recent
statistics attcsting the wonderful productive
capacity of Ireland and then explains why In
the presence of this abundance the people are
poverty stricken and often in want OF food. 1t
is because 729 men own one-half OF the soil
while the remainder belongs to only an In
significant fraction of the 1,25O,OOO adult
males in the Island. 1t is because SIG, 900
in rentals and taxes is wrought out OF the bone
and flesh and spirit of the peasant that he lies
crushed.
Mr.. Blaine with marked dignity OF manner
ustfes the attitude of Americans toward the
Home Rule cause on broad grounds OF phlan-
thropy. He contends that it is the attitude
which the English people themselves have
maintained for the last fifty years in extending
sympathy to Kossuth, to the Italian Nationaists,
and to every race and nationality chcrishiDg
aspirations for self lf-govcrnment; and he warns
the members of the British Parliament that
while they can vote down Mr.. Gladstone s
measure they cannot defeat the public opinion
of the world. AT the same time he gives wise
ana Wholesome COu0Sel W lIlSuiiici, IChiuuihr, /,
them that by acts of violence and by lack of self
restraint they will divide the consolidated senti-
| mcnt of the Christian world that believes In
| free government. lie entreats them not to
create a revulsion of feeling by any act of i'm
prudence, and to place their whole reliance
upon moral influence. He warns Irish Ameri-
| cans especially against forming political alli-
ances here and bids them |" to mark any man as
at enmty with their cause who seeks to use it
| for personal or for partisan advancement"
Throughout this statcsmanlike address Mr.
Blaine speaks not only as the sympathetic
| friend of the Home Rule cause, but as one OF
the wsest counsellors of the Irish people. His
eloquent words are well-timed. The crisis OF
the long struggle for Home Rule is approaching.
In the storm and stress period which will follow
the defeat of Mr.. Gladstonc's Government
Irshmen at home and in America will need all
| their resources of patience, moderation and
self -control-the very qualities upon which Mr..
| Blaine assures them they must rely in order to
achieve their wel-merited triumph.