New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-30
CONTRACTING TIE IRISH.

Professor Goodwin Smith Is in the habit OF
taking such gloomy views of the alien ele-
ments of American population that anything
like hopefulness on his part has the effect OF
a startling surprise. In his recent letter TO
"The London Tines he discerns two cheer
ing signs, in the political horizon. One is the
opening of line Of cleavage in the Irish
American party, which until the last Presi-
Dental election had voted with unbroken front
for the Democracy and the other is the nat
uralization of large numbers OF English ana
Canadian residents in the United States for the
purpose of counteracting Irish hostility to
Great Britain. He assumes that the Republic
can recruits gained from the Irish political clan
In 1884 will muster in larger force this year,
especially [" as some Of the ecclesiastical leaders
have astutely recommended" this course. But
the British and Canadians" he adds, have
now been persuaded that they will best show
their affection for their native land by legiu-
mate exercise of their political influence IN the
councils of their adopted country, and they are
applying for naturalization accordingly Their
number is more than large enough to turn the
scale in a contest so close as the last Pres
Dental election" This is very quiet state
ment, since the shifting Of GOO votes would
have defeated President Cleveland. Obviously
the English and Canadian residents who are
organizing for the purpose of rendering the
practice of twisting the lions tale hazardous
in American politics will not have to exert
themselves in order to maintain so artificial
balance of power. Professor Smith, however,
is equally delighted with the evidence of d.
vision in the Irish ranks and Of political
activity on the part Of his own countrymen.
He is pleased because he thinks the Irish vote
will not be likely to monopolize the anxious
attention of politicians, and because also it will
he coupteracted in any event by an undivided
English Canadian party.
1t is not easy to understand why Irish in
fluence in American politics will diminish in
consequence of division nor how the English
and Canadians can he expected to counteract
"the sinister activity Of "the Irish clan"
when 40 divided Professor Smith, indeed,
comedies that that influence will be increased
whom their vote is not cast in solid bulk for the
Democratic PARTY, as it was from the days of
slavery until 1884, since the leaders of two
nartios in Mace of one will be bent upon con-
ciliatinp the Irish and avoiding any public
action tending to ALLEVIATE their support. This
w0uld seem to De Il Hhtudi IcouIi anu lndy
be illustrated from English politics. In the
elections of 1885 the Irish vote was openly
courted by the Tory party and was cast in part
against the Liberals by Mr.. ParnelFs express
order. In previous elections lrishmen in Eng
land had uniformly voted with the Liberals,
but many of them changed sides in that con-
test :: and in consequence Of that division of
forces they acquired increased influence with
both parties. The Tory Government declined
to renew the Coercion Act in that year. Lord
Carnaryon in Dublin Castle was almost con-
WINGED that separate legislature was neces-
sary and Mr.. Gladstone when he returned to
Office announced his conversion to Home Rule.
The Irish in England made tremendous gains
in consequence of their partial alliance with
the Tories in 1885. Division strengthened
their political influence with the leaders Of
both parties The same result is likely to fol-
low In America.
In proportion as the Irish vote comes to be
more equally divided between parties will the