San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1886-07-14
HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.
Professor Leicester Gives an Interesting
Exposition of its Political Aspect
What Chance the Irish People
Have of Obtaining their

have OF obtaining Jnelf
Hearts Desire.
Professor Leicester, who is now in
San Antonio, Is well-known English
literary and political writer, and has
long been honest and ardent advocate
OF home rule for Ireland, but he is by no
means prejudiced and Is therefore COM
petent to express an authoritiye opinion
upon English political matters in SO far
as they refer to Ireland. The LIGHT
commissioner sought an expression OF
his views, and In answer to his enquiries
the professor said: "Many OF the good
friends of Ireland that have met in San
Antonio and other parts Of Texas, are
surprised and disappointed because
Gladstone's appeals to England for
home rule on behalf Of Ireland, have
met with q decided and most emphatic
| no. am not surprised at this because
their opinions are necessarily based
upon delusive press dispatches, and
upon the editorial yaporings Of men who
write from Imagination, Instead OF ex-
perience. facts and figures. The fact is
the matter In the press dispatches are
too frequently cooked to
PANDER TO THE PUBLIC TASTE
and to make matters verse headings"
of more delusive character are given
to them. For instance l read in the
Express" that "Gladstonian" had
only managed to retain safe liberal
seat by majority Of 30 out OF poll OF
$1,000 registered voters, yet this is
headed "A Great Gladstonian Victory"
Other decisions OF a like character APP
pear in both local papers that publish
telegraphic dispatches. The friends OF
Ireland are daily deluded with bogus
news, because 1t is good news and the
truth is concealed until 1t can no longer
be hidden, and then it Is sugar coated
to make Ii palatable. This is really an
injury to the cause. Our true friends
tell us the truth, and show the aspect OF
the case in its proper light. We know
then what to expect.
How does the matter now stand, and
what are the chances of Ireland obtain
ing home ruler
Your question not easily answered.
You must consider the history and char
acter OF the cOntending parties and must
keep we'll posted in current events, or
you cannot possibly do SO with any de-
gree of accuracy. For the first time the
Sentiments of the British voters have
been obtained, and Ii Is plainly shown,
by vote, that whilst Mr.. Gladstone and
his home rule scheme are defeated, there
are great number of voters in favor Of
ii; larger indeed than any motion that
was put direct to the people for the first
time. This Is matter for congratula-
ton. Home rule has three great oppo-
nents,
PREJUDICE, DISTRUST AND SELF-INTEREST.
These opponents can only be overcome
by knowledge and reason, and the con-
viotion OF right is only matter OF time.
The project may be shelved for a time
but the day is assuredly coming when
home rule shall be accorded to Ireland,
and shall not be surprised II that day
does not bring with 1t a confederation
OF states, forming a strong and united
pbalanx, and opening up new era Of
British prosperity.
What is likely TO be the result of the
recent elections in England?
That too Is question rather difficult
to answer, but If we take retrospective
view OF the case we shall find that the
history Of the past throws light upon
the future. You will remember that
last year the "liberal" ministry, with
Gladstone at the head, were thrown out
of Office by the influence Of the Irish
party, and the conservative" ministry,
under Lord Salisbury, was called to
power in his stead. Salisbury found
that the Irish party held the balance of
power, and that the ministers were
practically powerless, unless they con-
CURED in its plans. He tempOrised for
time, and then brought the power to
an issue by vote on coercion" OF
course, Salisbury was defeated, and
Gladstone again came into power. The
same difficulties were then presented.
He had either to bring in home rule and
secure the Irish party's cooperation at
the risk of being defeated on an appeal
to the country, or to ignore the claims
of Ireland, and be again ousted from
power. De was like the naughty boy,
he was sure of whipping in any case.
He decided to take the former course,
hoping as coup d'etat, to carry the
matter through, giving the
IRISH WHAT THEY WANTED,
removing Irish obstruction from public
business, and, what was of more import
ance to him, giving the liberal party
an Unlimited reign of power, but the
people we're not ripe for the measure.
Even the liberal party, aye even the
cabinet, were divided on Its merits, and
the press, with few exceptions, were
dead against it. AS . natural result
Gladstone was defeated and apparently
new parties have arisen. The "conser-
vative," or "tory" party came in very
strong, ana is opposed to home rule.
The "unionists" new party that is
men pledged to maintain the integrity
of the union, may be liberal" or soon
sentative" and will naturally vote with
the conservatives" upon Irish matters.
The "Gladstonians" NEW partly and
.'Parnellites, are pledged to support
home rule, and they will derive consid-
| pra hla ennnOrt from the liharal MARTY
though many will vote with the conser-
vatives. You will notice that there is
really only two parties conservative"
and "liberal," although both parties are
split into sections. By this split the
conservatives" gain Immensely, and
the "1iberar' loss is proportionately
great. The conservatives therefore be-
come the masters Of the situation and
the Irish party loses the balance of pow
er that has so effectively served them In
the past. The question now is will the
conservatives" use their power wisely
for the welfare of Ireland, or will It
foolishly ignore her claims. Judging by
the past, think 1t safe to predict that
Ireland will receive
MORE LIBERAL LEGISLATION
than she has ever had before, as means
Of pacifying the people, and Of remov-
ing cause for agitation. or course, this
! will be merely "sop to Cerebus," but
the argus eye Of the Irish party will be
on the lookout in the interest Of their
country.
Let me here say that common sense
teaches us that home rule must be the
product of reason, not Of force. Eng
| lishmen are strange characters. You
| can persuade, but you cannot drive
/ than, Tho 70 af foraa Ia iuiuhcinra ha-