The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-08-29

members at Westminster would be a
thorn i'm the flesh of the authorities of
the House of Commons. l was amused
recently to meet with Il humorous
song on the subject written during the
tMiscussions ON the question Of the
Union. 1t was set to that tune which,
according to historical tradition, Wills
tied James II out of his three king
Gons, and it cXclaimcd
Oh, when Paddy in Westminster takes
his own state.
Lillihullcro, bullcn-,,-la!
by my shoul, he'll cnliven the British
debate.
Lillibullcro, bullcn-n-a!
Should the Speaker call Order" he'll
huff and look big,
Lillibullero, bulcn-n-la!
Till lie makes cv'ry hair stand on end
on his wig
I.illibullcro. bullenta-la!
The warming WAS urllccted. with sad
results to the efficiency, and, above all,
To the dignity of that Mother of Par
lamcmS, which has been so truly dcs-
crihcd as 1.-THE greatest Legislative as
scnhly im the world'
The Irish party holds securely posi-
ton of immense political power and
Importance in the House of Commons
Undoubtedly, II owes that position to
its detachment from general political
questions, its nloofnrSS from all British
political PARTIES. and to the manner III
which its members for Il quarter of a
| century have made themselves I'M
pleasant and incoIWrnirnt, by striking
out. right. left and centre. at every
one they conceived to be :; foe of Ire
land. They are feared. In politics
| there is no such thing as gratitude.
| The Irish party, certainly, is not gr;lte
| full. Neither cam it afford to be resent
| full. The Liberal party wrecked itself
| by adopting home rule. The COScrva-
| tive party has fought dctermmdly
and so far successfully the main object
Of the Irish party-tllc setting up of a
local parliament in Ireland. Yet these
facts have no influence in determining
| from session TO session the policy of the
Irish party. It's members have no
uuAlmS of conscience either in leaving
| the Liberals in the lurclI OH questions
of general politics, or in allying them
| selves With tile Tories, when they see
chance Of serving Ireland. But though
they are, in Il sense. the Ishmaels Of
the House of Commons, it must not be
supposed tlrlt therefore they are re-
garlcd With hatred and diStrust The
commanding abilities of many mem-
brrs Of the party; the carnestness, ell
thusiasm, and honesty Of all. are
recognized and respected. Indeed, I
think may say they are generally
popular. Nothing, has impressed me
more in my sixteen years observation
of the House of Commons mt work than
the tolerance. fail-mindetlness, and
sense of Justice Of the British repre-
| scntativcs; their anxiety to understand
the Irish problcm; their desire to do
everything ir their power to improve
the social and material condition Of
Ireland. Recognizing the peculiar posi-
ton of the Irish party in the House
of Commons. they make every allow
ancc for cbullitiolls of anti-English
feeling which often not only put to
the strain their sense of dignity and
dccorum. but outrage their more ten
der feelings of loyalty and love Of
country.
One of the most painful scenes l have
ever witnessed in the House of Com
mons occurred during the session Of
1901. Mr.. BrOdrick, the minister for
war, unexpectedly rose to the table. II
am sorry to say I have serious news
to tell the house." he began. I'M
mediately, a sense of profound deiec-
ton fell upon the mass of the British
members. They guessed what was
cOming-intelligence of another Of those
disasters in the South African war,
naturally so painful to their pride Of
s