The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-10-27
Gladstone's Home Rule Scheme Ready.

It has for some time been generally &C.
knowledged by the Gladstonians that no
matter how large a majority they might OBJ
tain at the next general election. they
would not reintroduce the Home Rule bill
OF 1886 In its original form. As to what
changes would be made. however. there has
been no authoritative announcement. and
the Unionists. taking for granted that none
would be made until the contest at the bal
lot box was over. have professed to believe
that MIR. GLADSTONE does not know his own
mind. or is afraid to let the Liberal electors
know what they will be voting for
AS matter Of fact. Mr.. GLADSTONE has
formed definite conception Of what he will
do for Ireland. and means to proclaim it be-
times. 30 that every voter may understand
precisely what he is asked to sanction. Ac-
cording to telegram from London. Mr..
GLADSTONE has recently. in conjunction
with Lord SPENCER. Lord RosEBERY. Sir
WILLIAM VERNON HARcouRr. and Mr.. Nor
LEY. been engaged In revising the measure
which was rejected five years ago. The
work OF REIMBURSEMENT Is finished and draft
Of the new plan for the better government
Of ireland will shortly be given to the world.
i.
GLADSTONE has obeyed the maxim-of two
evils choose the least. The course upon
which he has decided is open to some OBJ
vious objections from the viewpoint of the
political tactician. 1t Is not usually deemed
judicious to expose all the details Of q pro-
posed measure to the eyes Of enemies and
lukewarm friends during the campaign pre-
ceding general election. Provisions which
would be swallowed with more or less re-
luctance after an overwhelming triumph
OF the Liberal party ut the ballot box might
cause some Gladstonlans to falter and
secede while the outcome OF the contest
was uncertain. The political forces which
ut present unite in accepting the guidance
OF Mr.. GLADSTONE are extremely heteroge-
hcous. md Homo Rule bill which would lie
acceptable to one section might be distaste-
full to another. 1t Ia also probable that
large number OF Mr. GLADsToNH's Eng
lish followers care much less about Irish
grievances and their remedies than they do
about reforms which directly affect their
own interests. Under such circumstances,
II their leaders Intentions with regard to
homo rule wero left underlined. 1t would
no possible for campaign speakers
in each English constituency to dwell
with especial emphasis on the fea-
lures OF tho Liberal programme cspe-
cially attractive to that locality. On
the other hand. once place before the peo-
ple an elaborate draf. OF tho Homo Rule bill
which Mr.. GLADSTONE is resolved to pass.
and II will necessarily become the pivot OF
discussion. The other aims aud promises
Of which so much was said at the meeting
of the Liberal Federation in Newcastle will
gradually DO lost sight Of, and the contest
will ultimately turn on tho single question
whether Ireland should have u particular
kind Of State government.
II Is likely enough that Mr.. GLADSTONE
will lose some votes by u frank and full
avowal OF his purposes with respect to Ire
land. aud. II hc were younger man. he
might prefer to postpone their publication
until he had resumed the responsibilities OF
Ofiice. But at his advanced age he cannot
expect to take art In moro than
ono general election. and 10 him. therefore
Il u OF vital moment that The verdict Of the
people ON that occasion shall DO unequivo-
cal and percmptory. With his preca-
rious toni,rc of Iifo lie cannot leave 1t In
the power Of tho Upiopsts to cay that,
while tho electors might have acIuiesced la
the jcstowal o. some Kind oi homo rule on
ireland. they by nc means sanctioned the
definite schaInc watch Mus FOR tho first time