The Irish standard., 1912-04-27
John Redmond's Speech Opening
the Debate on the Home Role Bill

number of constituencies in Ulster.
1 will not delay the House by any
academic discussion on tho principles
of this bill.
The principle of devolving upon To-
cal assemblies the MANAGEMENT of
local affairs has at its back the sane
ton Of the whole world. 1t has the
sanction of the Empire. It is the
foundation of the Empire today. and
1t is the bond. the only bond, of
union. I think it is true to say that
no community of white men within
the Empire have ever asked for this
right and up to this have been re-
fused the exercise of it. The right
hon. gentleman let fall a phrase the
exact meaning and Specification of
Which l did not appreciate. He en-
deavored to make clear line of de.
marcation between those he repre-
sents and the rest Of the people of
ireland. and he said, "If it is right to
give Home Rule 10 the rest of Ire
land is it not right to give it to Ul-
ster?" Is that his proposal? Is that
, his demand?
What are the main arguments
against the principle of self-govern-
ment for Ireland? First, that Self
Government Is a question Of separa-
t'on' and unionist orators. especially
IN this country, and, notice, more in
the country than In this House. where
they are face to face with their on
ponents, are constantly saying that
the Irish people want separation, and
that the Irish leaders are Separatists,
1 would like to be perfectly frank IN
this matter. There has always been,
and there is today, certain section
OF lrishmen who would like to see
separation from this country. Thew
are small, very small, section,
though they We're once a large Sec
ton. These men who hold these views
at this moment only desire separa-
ton as an alternative to the present
system. If You change the present
system and give into the hands of
lrlshmen the management of purely
Irish affairs, that small section of
feeling in favor of separation will,
tend to disappear. and If it survives,
then l would like to know how. under
tnose circumstances, it would he
stronger or more powerful for mis-
chief than it is at the present mo-
ment' 1t is said that Mr. Parnell was
a separatist in disguise, and one Of
the commonplaces OF the Unionist
platform in this country is the state
nent that am separatist in dis
eA'se' and that my friends are Sep
aratists in disguise.
captain Craig made a remark
which did not reach the gallery.
MT. Redmond continued: The hon
ana gallant member will have plenty
OF opportunity of tearing my speech
To rags later on. OF course. when an
assertion Of that kind is made, 50
lar as l am concerned, 1 can only
oeny 1t. What is Mr.. Parnelrs rec-
ord in this matter? In, his evidence
0elore the Parnell Commission, which
SAT IN 1889. he said: Il have never
gene further either in any thourht or
action than the restitution of the leg
's'at1ve independence of Ireland" and
IN 1886 he specifically accepted as q
maj settlement Of that demand the
concession of a strictly statutory sinh
oroinate Parliament for Ireland, and
That acceptance by him was endorsed
oy the masses of the Irish people. l
came across the other day. really
very interesting statement by him.
5ss ,ss IA N Il. Z