The Irish standard., 1892-08-27
Major Byrr1e on Gladstone.

Major John Byrne, of New York, re-
Gently returned from London where he
had conference with Mr.. Gladstone.
II did not go asa peace commissioner %
said Maj. Byrne, "nor with purpose OF
in any way intruding myself into British
politics. I was on private family bust
ness, but being in London on the reas-
ssmbllng of parliament, of course had
the great fortune of meeting many of
the leading men of the Liberal and Irish
parties. 1 heard the debate in parlia-
ment on the Tuesday preceding the vote
of want of confidence. was introduced
to Mr.. Gladstone by Mr.. Morley. Mr.
Gladstone expressed a special interest in
knowing the true condition of public
sentiment in America on the cause to
which he had dedicated his remaining
life--Home Rule for Ireland.
1t had been claimed that complete
revulsion of public sentiment had taken
place in America which worked an in
difference to Ireland's fate and a hostil-
ity to Gladstone and his policy. AS a
leading American had put it, "Nine-
tenths of the Irish in America are pro-
nounced Parnellites."
I was glad to be able to assure Mr..
Gladstone that there was no foundation
for such claim; that the contrary was
the fact, and that all men in America of
any value or worth as American citizens
or Irish sympathizers, we're unquestion-
ably with him and the majority of the
people in Ireland; that no man or party
in America could get respectable hear
ing on any issue adverse to Home Rule
or Gladstone's policy in promoting it.
Mr.. Gladstone seemed much gratified
and said he had placed great reliance
upon the friends of liberty in America.
He valued very highly the sympathy and
support of Americans, including those OF
Irish blood, and it would grleve him
deeply and sorely disappoint him to lose
that sympathy and support which had
always been a source OF great encourage
ment and comfort to him. and that he
could not understand the change that it
was claimed had taken place. He was
much gratifed to learn that it was not
true.
Mr.. Gladstone said he felt sure that
ali true friends of ireland would feel
fully satisfied with his course towards
Ireland and would be glad if I would
say to the friends Of the cause in America
that no doubt bitter fight was ahead,
but that if all remained true there was
no question as to the successful result.
He asked me- to thank America cordially
for the aid given to Ireland in the late
election.
I was deeply impressed with Mr.. Glad
stones sincerity, and came from the
conference firmly convinced Of the entire
good faith and firm resolve TO make Irish
self-government the work of his HE.
I heard Mr.. Gladstone's speech in re-.
ply to the Queens speech, delivered sub
sequent to my conference with him, and
found confirmation of all he had said to
me. If Irishmen will prove as true to
Ireland as / am satisfied Mr.. Gladstone
will, all will be we'll, but the fate of the
Irish measure is in Irish hands.
Mr.. Gladstone seemed we'll and strong,
but, as he himself laughingly said, he is
an old man with not the assurance OF
years Of labor which younger man
might hope for, and that should be q
reason why the friends Of ireland should
see to it that he gets the fullest support
now"