The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-08
IRELAND'S CAUSE.


house of commons yesterday when the Liberal min
istry introduced measure intended to give Ireland
at least semblance of home rule. The bill itself is
not satisfactory to the home rulers; it is intended
however, to advance the cause Of home rule in
measure that may ultimately mean the self-govern-
ment for the Emerald Isle.
The bill is not Gladstone measure This fact
will be apparent to all the friends of the of
ireland who read its provisions; but it is the best
that the present friendly government offer with
any hope of having it enacted.
Friends of progress will not find fault with the
measure on account of its shortcomings. Knowing
as they do, how difficult it has been other
reforms. they believe may be well to move slowly
and to see if the Fabian policy will achieve greater
results than policy that presents adequate re-
form.
Of the measure introduced by the present gov
eminent looking TO change in the government of
Ireland, it is too early to fully speak. Perhaps the
opinion of the electors of Ireland cannot be
tained until after the conference to be soon held in
Dublin.
stone introduced his first home rule bill, and the
occasion of the presentation exciting one.
Artist historian and poet have described the mem
orable occasion, and remarkably interesting the
contest over the measure in the house of commons
and afterwards before the constituencies. Glad
stones bin did realize the dreams Of Irish patriots,
though, of course, there of integrity, how
ever impracticable who declared they would be
satisfied with nothing short of total separation of
Ireland and England.
Gladstone had been member of governments
that passed coercion bills and even when he became
converted to the cause Of justice some OF his closest
friends political and otherwise, forsook him. Once
he started in fight, however, he always remained
true, and it was no fault of his that the Liberal
party in and out of season, did not continue
to advocate his measure OF legislative independence
Viewing the subject from one point it is diff
cult to think the measure of today is so much mar
rover in its concessions than that of twenty-one
years ago. This too, in view of the fact that Gen.
Botha, the South African premier, has been re-
Gently the most honorcd guest who has visited Eng
land since our own Gen. Grant. Yet the present
bill may receive the approval of the Irish electors
Since Gladstones measure was introduced there
have been important changes in the laws of Ireland
and the people are more united than ever before.
The public men of Ireland, irrespective of politi-
cal differences have joined in important
that have helped the old land they all claim with
pride as their own. A moderate measure may,
therefore tend even lessen remaining differences,
though it is doubtful if any class of Irishmcn save
the Orange lodges would now oppose very vigor-
ously home rule bill similar to the Gladstone
measure of twenty-one year ago.
The new measure, introduced amidst scenes of
the greatest interest, practically provides for admin
istrative councils and does away with the autocracy
of Dublin Castle Every friend of Ireland will hope
that any measure that deals with the castle will
ceive adequate attention, for it has been sorrow
to all for many dreary decade
One thing in favor of the new measure is that
II was soundly condemned by the Tory spokes-
man, Balfour, that il may be passed That public
ist who proved so brilliant failure In administra-
tive office that he ran Lord Roseberry close Sec
ond for the position of the most successful failure in
modern English politics. is old and tried enemy
OF Ireland. He will not prevail in his ntagonism.
HOW WILL 1T END1
The Right Reverend Frederick Burgess Prot