The Washington herald., 1907-05-26
IRELAND IN HARMONY
Revival of Interest in POlit-
ical Situation Genuine.
ALL COMPROMISE IS SPURNED
Dublin Convention, by It's Firm
stand, Surprises Irish Members of
Change in British Ministry-Red-
mOnd's Position as Leader shaken.

London, May 25.-The dramatic rejec-
ton of the governments Irish council
bill by the Dublin convention marks a
genuine revival Of life and human inter
est in the Irish political situation. a re-
turn Of the excitement which has been
sadly lacking for more than ten years
past
The first fact which It demonstrated is
highly significant in that the Irish Ma
tionalist members Of Parliament have,
10 a considerable degree, ceased 10 repre-
sent their country, most Of them having
been so long at Westminster that they
are out Of touch with the true sentiments
Of their constituents.
They have had a sudden awakening,
and even Mr.. Redmond admitted the fact
by implication in his speech at Dublin.
He is a quick. adroit politician, and is
clever enough 10 lead the move
ment for the rejection of the bill in
the convention. There IS no doubt what
ever that before he went TO Dublin he
was ready to accept the governments bill
on the principle that half a loaf is bet
Ter than no bread, and the government so
understood the position Of the Irish party
when they introduced the measure. Moth
ing In Mr. Redmond's skiTful attempts to
prove himself consistent can alter this
fact.
Ready 10 Compromise.
The tendency Of English political life IS
TO compromise any difficulty. even when
a principle is involved. This spirit during
recent years has gained some hold upon
the Nationalist party in Parliament They
admitted that the governments bill con-
tanned nothing on which future home rule
could be constructed. In fact, it was
only an easement which would tend. If
anything, 10 postpone the realization Of
their ambition. Yet a large majority Of
them were willing 10 accept IT,
They have learned now that their coun-
trymen are not of this stamp. Those Of
every party In Ireland itself will have
nothing TO do with this hybrid measure
and, accordingly. the bill IS dead. Mr.
RedmOnd's s position as leader is shaken
His party is rapidly losing ground in Ire
land, as he himself admits, but National
ism is not dead ir Ireland, although its
character is changing The church con-
tinues a tremendously strong institution
in the country. but the anti-seCtariau
feature Of the Nationalist movement is
growing immensely.
Gaelic Revival Is Spreading.N
There Is growing UP in ireland intense
and practical patriotism, which finds ex-
preston in a revival of the Gaelic Ian
guage, the boycotting. whenever possible,
Of all but Irish products. and an appeal
10 Irishmen abroad TO help ireland by
consuming. whenever possible. what IRE
land produces-in other words. making
every effort TO exalt ireland and Irish
interests in n0npolitical ways. This new
sentiment is the Nationalist sentiment
also. and it is coupled with faith that the
future will bring political independence.
The effect Of the rejection Of the bill
upon the Campbell-Bannerman govern
ment was most humiliatiug Never per
haps. was a British dominant party placed
in such an embarrassing position The
measure was the principal item of their
programm for the balance of the ses-
sion. They introduced il believing that
II would be acceptable to their quasi
Irish allies and they hoped that it would
be another nail in the coffin Of the
presently constituted House of Lords II
they rejected it. a large majority Of the
House Of Commons was ready TO pass it,
and now it must he abandoned as though
Il never existed.
Prime Minister Campbell -Bannermau
will announce a new programme at the
session on Monday Bitter as his feel
ings must be against the Irish party for
what at first glance might seem like du-
plicity. but which is really innocent OF
such guile. he will not dare to give ex-
preston to his sentiments
One effect Of the action Of the Dublin
convention cannot fail to be the complete
independence henCef0rth Of the Irish
party and the Liberals. Mr. Birrelrs pO-
sitlon as Irish secretary also becomes
scarcely tenable. and further cabinet
changes may be looked for. lIr Cham
berlain prOphesied when the present gov
eminent came into power that it would
disintegrate within two years. The pro.
cess certainly begins TO show signs O.