National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-06-05
Mr.. Blaine on Home Rule.

l-NSN iOih iilbullc, JuHc o.
Mr.. Blaines speech on home rule ranks
with Mr. Gladstone's oratory in argumenta-
tive skill and elevation of tone. 1t Is in-
comparably the calmest, most reasonable,
and most judicious American address on
this subject that has been made since Mr..
Parnell became the leader of the Irish
cause; and 1t deserves to be widely read In
England as an authoritative expression Of
American opinion. 1t is remarkable alike
for lueidity of exposition and moderation Of
temper. At the same time 1t is bold, in
eislve, and original, and contains passages
Of genuine eloquence as well as argumenta-
tive power.
The simplicity with which the general
question Of home rule and the land Is pre-
sented is perhaps the characteristic feature
Of this speech. Mr., Blaine contends that
Ireland, with only 105 representatives In
parliament of 05S members, cannot do the
slightest thing that implies legislative
power. 1t is as helpless so far as home rula
Is concerned as Maine would be IL linked
with the state OF New York and allowed
representation at Albany. Legislative au-
tonomy as an abstract proposition he con-
siders reasonable and natural apart from
the historic bearings of centuries of wrong
and oppression. Without critically analyz-
ing Mr.. Gladstone's measure he sympa-
thizes with any bill that rights
the wrong and hands over the
government of Ireland to its own
people. That home rule is essential to tle
revival OF prosperity In the island he de-
monstrates on economic grounds. He cites
recent statistics attesting 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
| T29 men own one-half of the soil, while the
| remainder belongs to only an insignificant
fraction Of the l, 100000 adult males in the
island. 1t Is because $l1B, 200, 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 man
ner justifies the attitude Of Americans to-
| ward the home rule cause on broad grounds
| OF philanthropy. He contends that IL Is
the attitude which the English people them
selves have maintained for the last fifty
| years In extending sympathy TO Kossuth,
to the italian nationalists, and to every race
and nationality cberishing aspirations for
| elf'goyernment; 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 and
| wholesome counsel TO Irishmcn, reminding
| them that by acts Of violence and by lack Of
self-restraint they will divide the consol-
dated sentiment OF the Christian world that
| believes In free government. He entreats
them not to create a revulslOn OF feeling
| by any act OF imprudence, and TO place
their whole reliance upon moral influence.
| He warns Irish-Amercans especially against
| forming political alliances here, and bids
them "tO mark any man as at enmity with
their cause who seeks TO use 1t for personal
| or for partisan advance msnt.n
| Throughout this stat, smanllke address
Mr.. Blaine speaks not only as the sympa-
thetic friend OF the home rule cause, but as
one of the wisest couuselors of the Irish
| people. His eloquent words are we'll 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.. Gladstone's government Irishmen at
| home and In America will need all their re-
sources of patience, moderation, and self
control-the very qualities upon which Mr..
| Blaine assures them they must rely In order
to achieve their well-merited triumph.
Worthy Women Who Have TO be Broad
| winners.
Before the House committee on labor yes
teTday Mrs Charlotte Smith and Mrs. Net
tie Sanford, of the Woman's Industrial
League, delivered addresses in behalf OF
wage working women. A protest was
made against further appropriations for the
bureau OF labor, In support of which 1t was
alleged that the bureau is not conducted
according to law. One Of the objections Is
| lllut, III NlOldllOu VI law, women uTe eI-
cluded from appointment In the bureau.
Gen Weaver and Mr., Daniels were desig
mated as a subcommittee TO make thorough
examination of the subjects TO which the
| representatives Of the Woman's League
have drawn attention, and they are In
structed to bring the matter before the
House in form which will develop the
sentiment and test the sense of that body.
Petitions containing 5000 signatures Of
people in this District have been received
"iully indorsng the Woman's Industrial
| Le0gmo II behnlf Of worlkIngwOmen, and