The Irish standard., 1886-07-17
PROGRESS OF HOME RULE.

|
Prime Minister of Great Britain and 1t
is more than probable that Lord Sails
bury will again be called on to construct
new Cabinet. But we think the op-
ponents Of Home Rule have no grounds
for congratulating themselves that the
great issue will die on this account.
They are very much mistaken. A mea-
sure which has commanded the approba-
ton of all free minded persons OF the
universe, and for which nearly one-half
Of the members of the British House of
Commons voted, measure for which
nearly one-half of the electors OF the
United Kingdom voted, and nearly one
half of the new House are pledged to
support, is not by any means so easily
disposed of. 1t is only postponed for q
more convenient season. Tn the history
of legislation in Great Britain, or any
country for that matter, never has a
measure OF such vast Importance after
once being brought before the people in
so emphatic form failed to call forth
action from some one ofa the political
parties. Let us for a moment briefly
glance over the progress which the
Home Rule party has been making dur
ing the past sixteen years. We begin at
the time when Isaac Butt first proposed
it; then it was looked upon as being ut
terly impracticable by Engllshmen, and
it must be admitted by many influential
Irishmen as we'll. The Repeal agitation
was dead. Repeal was in reality alegis-
lative impossibility. Mr.. Butt pro-
posed federation between Great Bri-
tain and Ireland, but we do not believe
that gentleman ever drew up detailed
scheme. Although Joseph Chamberlain
processes to think otherwise, such a
scheme is now looked upon as being in
convenient, if not altogether impractic-
able, unless federation were adopted for
the three kingdoms and the Principality.
There can be no doubt IN the mind OF
any person capable of reasoning that if
this scheme materialized Scotland and
Wales would Immediately join hands
with Ireland in a demand for national
autonomy, and England would scarcely
dare to refuse it. But although Butts
scheme lacked in detail it was true in
principle (; that is, it contained the prin-
ciple OF Home Rule as distinct from I'M
perial Rule, and this was the true key
note of international legislation in the
British empire. Isaac Butt was sincere
in everything he did, bat he was not
fitted either by training OK temperament
for the trying position Of leader of an
independent party in the British House
OF Commons. During the early years OF
his life he had been the champion Of
Protestant ascepdancy in Dublin muni-
oipal affairs, and was a vigorous oppon-
ent of O'Connell in the struggle for Re
peal, but IN later years his opinions un-
derwent remarkable change. Speak
ing Of Mr.. Butt, Mr.. j. s. Maloney says
he WAS irritable and hasty in temper, and
was given to magnifying trihing differ
ences of opinion into factious and fragrant
acts of opposition and that this trouble
grew on him with years. Mr.. Butt OBJ
iected to the obstruction policy Of Par
nell and Biggar, which they adopted
during the debate Oh tine South African
bill in the session of the British House
OF Commons Of 1877. The two latter
never missed On opportunity to obstruct
everything brought forward by the gov
eminent, and although they lost the
friendship OF Mr.. Butt they gained in
popular favor to such all extent that
when the Home Rule confederation met
in Liverpool in the autumn Of 1877, Mr..
Parnell was elected to the Presidency OF
that body in place OF Mr., Butt. Up to
this time and for some years afterward
the now leader Of the Irish Nationalist
party and his handful of followers were
looked upon as rebels Of the deepest
dye. Not alone were they looked down
on by Euglishmen OF both political
parties, but they were even despised by
influential Irishmen. But Charles Stew
art Parnell knew what he was about, and
subsequently the patriotic portion Of the
Ilish people observed in him the Moses
who would lead them "out Of the land
of Israel aud out Of the house Of bond
age" They saw that the younger leader
possessed all these qualities which go to
make up a great leader of men, and con-
sequently he soon got into the front
ranks. How nobly he has defended the
post Of honor assigned him every one OF
our readers are we'll aware. No matter
what was the strength Of the combined
force of the enemy his square still re-
mained unbroken. From Il few dozen
followers at first he has gathered around
him to-day larger and more influential
party than even his most enthusiastic
admirers ever hoped for. Thus we see