New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-02-19
MR. GLADSTONES TASK.

The passage OF tnc llOHlt tWc piii W INV
second reading is now generally CONCEDED III
London to be Il foregone conclusion Inc de-
bate has already brought out Mr.. Bai0ur, LORD
Randolph Churchill. Mr.. Chamberlain and MI
Goschen in opposition to the measure ana as
they are the chief UniOni>t leaders 1T Is iaIr
10 assume that their argument VIII not be
materially STRENGTHENED before March IL, when
tho test vote will occur on the general principle
of the bill. Their speeches have been power
full pleas against Home Rule, but are not likely
10 detach from Mr.. Gladstone single sup
porter. Their strongest ground has been de-
structivc criticism of the artificial compromise
by which Irish representation is TO be retained
ut Westminster. That is the weakest part OF
the scheme, and Mr.. Gladstone virtually adj
mitted it by forcibly stating the objections II
it and thereby arguing against his own posi-
ton But while it is the most vulnerable pant
Of the bill. it is the worst possible ground ON
which to appeal to Mr.. Gadstonc'> lukcwarm
supporters to desert his cause. There arc some
conservative Liberals who dislike this radical
measure, but the retention of Irish representa-
ton tends to reconcile them to it, since 1t Is
an outward sign of Imperial supremacy and
unity
Another strong argument presented by the
Unionists against Home Rule has been based
upon Ulster, or rather the Protestant hall OF
il. As large section OF Mr.. GadstOneS FOL
lowing represents Nonconform;st and intensely
Protestant constituencies this appeal Is not
without force, and the UnioniSts will probably
do much TO strengthen il by encouraging aSita-
ton in the north of Ireland against Home Rule
during the next four weeks. The text Of the
measure. which is now revealed in detail will
disarm much of this opposition. The Irish
Parliament is prohibited from cnacing any
law for the endowment or establishment Of
any Church. or for interference with worship
and liberty of education. or for the imposition
of any disability or the comforting Of any
privilege on account of religious belief. These
prohibitions are so broad and uncquivcc1l thai
protc,1ants in or ont of Ulster will find il diff
cult TO make cut a case AGAINST Mr. GlIdStoncS
bill en- religious grounds. Moreover. the safe
guards established for minority nights IN the
Of the Legislative Council with
high property franchise arr Unexpectedly strong
and favorable t. Ulster
For these reasons we do not believe that the
Vnloni>t leaders will succeed in defeating the
second reading Both sections of the Nation
alists will vote for il 10 man, and the entire
Liberal column viii follow Mr. Gladstone in
the final division. The logic of the situation
will confirm the loyalty of his most inSub0rd-
nate and least manageable supp0' tcrS-thc OK
tItme Radicals. Let the pas sage Of the bill on
the second reading and also through the com
mittee be conceded and a conflict with the
House of Lords follows as a matter of course.
There is everything in thar forecast TO induce
progressive Radicals 10 stand by Mr.. Glad
stone now. Indifferent as thcy may be t. Irish
Home Rule as an abstract proposition. The
rejection of the Home Rule bill by the upper
House after the electorate has placed Il Min
isiry in power for the express purpose Of enact;
ing it will naturally be followed hy popular
agitation against the privileged class. The
dullest Radical will perceive the advantage OF
having Mr. Gladstone head such IN agitation.
and will work ard vote for Home Rule more
earnestly in view of the inevitable con,c-
quences.
The main difficulty with which Mr. Glad
stone has had T. contend durIng III" last seven
years has been that Home Rule j. an lriSh
question and bl cks democratic reforms in the
United Kingdom. He is now rapidly nearing
a point where he will be able 10 appeal direct
" TO the masses against the privileged classes
1t will be vantage ground on which he can
reasonably hope ~ carry Home Rule. For
revolutionary Is Mr.. GladstOne'> policy appears
to English Conservatives. il is in accord with
the normal development Of democratic ten
denotes and the progress Of civilization through
out the world