The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-10-09

speedy and dramatic manner before the
English people, and the consequences
which may flow from this may be radical,
far-reaching and of extraordinary import
ance."
1t seemed that Mr.. Depew said this as
though he must have heard suggestions as
to the effect of this reactiOnary policy on
the part Of the lords which be did not care
to make public. His manner indicated
that he believed that q very serious crisis
might arrive in the near future If the lords
stood stubbornly against majority in the
commons.
Taking up the thread of his conversation
said: "Now, there Is another considera-
ton to be taken. Suppose that the Irish
members, or any considerable number of
them, refused to accept such . home rule
bill as Gladstone decides to bring in. I
cannot say that they will refuse, but l
must say that no one has assurance which
can justify the conviction that they
will accept Mr.. Gladstone's bill. Some
of them, it is known, will be satisfied
with nothing short Of the EXTREMIST
measures. Are there so many of these as
to imperil the bill when it comes to vote?
If there are, and the measure is defeated,
Mr.. Gladstone must, of course, dissolve
parliament and go to the country. As he
made home rule for Ireland, or what is
called by that name, the chief issue in the
late elections, and is defeated thereon, he
can do no other thing than to dissolve par
lament. Now comes what is, perhaps, the
most important consideration. and want
to say again that am not in any sense re-
fecting my own views, but am simply try
ing to set forth the best opinion in the
Liberal party as found it.
"If Mr.. Gladstone's homo rule measure
is defeated by the vote of the Irish party it
will be impossible to make 1t an issue
again, or to make home rule an issue in
the election which follows the dissolution
of parliament. The English Liberals will
not again consent to go before the country
on that issue. They will say that for six
years Mr. Gladstone and the Liberal party
have been kept out of power because they
had been faithful to the cause of home
rule for Ireland. They will say that that
and on that issue alone have the English
Liberals been divided. They will say that
having won q victory, having gained q
majority and having offered home rule
bill which the Irish members have de-
feated, they have done their duty and
other questions Of public policy"
Again Mr.. Depew paused. He arose
from his seat. His manner betrayed in
tense interest. The expression of his
countenance was grave. almost stern, and
he at last stopped in his pacing and in
solemn tone and impressive manner, as
though he was addressing multitude. he
said: And this means the end of home
| rule for another hundred years. I mean
in saying that, that in the opinion of the
leaders of the Liberal party this means the
end of home rule for Ireland tor another
hundred years.
1.-THE question which will then arise will
be, What shall the Liberal party do?
That 1t will drop home rule as vital issue
Is certain, and that it will place the re-
sponsibiity for the end of an agitation
which has dominated British politics upon
the Irish members Is also sure. The best
impression is that the Liberals will make
their sppeal on such issues as in the past
have animated the great English Liberal
| party and upon which in the past they
have gained successes. OF course
| new measures developed by present con-
! dltions viii he made part OF the policy of
| the Liberals. But it Will he the spirit of
| the English Liberals. the character which
! gave them distinction IS a great party i'm
| opposition TO the Conservatives which
| will animate them. That will bring back
| the old element which felt compelled TO
| separate when home riate for Ireland wss
| made the paramount issue. Perhaps they
may make cause Wit. fhe Welsh Liberals.
/ may give some reco2a.repa ~ the demands
/ of organized labor, TRAY look without
grea. distayor upon thp.e ideas which are
| now peculiarly characteristic OF Labou-
| chere, sucn as one man one vote and the
/ reform of the lords. But il will be the
/ great Liberal party of Greas Britain ap-
/ peaIing 10 the country. and with home
| rule and It's agitation matter of history
| and tradition"
Again Mr. Depew paused. The sum-
| mons OF an attendant who warned him
/ that the hour was approaching when he
/ must take the train tor his country place
/ fell upon needless ears. He vas So intent
/ upon this matter that he seemed 10 heed
I no other thing, although the distractions
/ 81 busy office were going on within nav
/ hearing. Ii was evident tina. what he re-
( garaed as perhaps the most important part
/ OF has communication was yet 10 De raacie.
I and when said Now how is this great
( crisis IN the history of home rule 10 be
( avoided 2 II was plain that he felt that
/ what he was about 10 say was OF tonse-
! quence in America
! lit may rest with the Irish Americans.
/ he said, TO determine whether q measure
l 81 hesns sass ies Ireland il TO be dead and