The Present Status of the Home Rule Question Classic Reprint

Excerpt from The Present Status of the Home Rule Question

But, after all, the most interesting question at present con cerning the Government of Ireland Bill is whether it has any chance of becoming a law in the near future. As regards this question, any prophecy at the present juncture would be rash. Nevertheless, there are some facts which can be stated with reasonable certainty and which are worthy of the attention of students of current politics. One of the most evident of these facts is that the majority of Englishmen no longer get excited about the question. True enough a certain class of Unionist leaders are using strong, not to say violent and dis courteous, language in the newspapers, on the platform, and even on the floor of the House of Commons. But as far as the results have been expressed in votes they cannot be said to tell very strongly against Home Rule. The administration has lost several seats at recent by-elections and has held others by decreased majorities, as the administration of the day usually does. But in none of these contests have the Unionists shown a disposition to feature Home Rule as an issue, except perhaps in Manchester. But since 1903 the voters of that city have developed the habit of returning Liberal members in general elections, when there is a possibility that the election Of a Union ist member might mean the success of the policy of protective tariffs, and Unionists in by - elections, when free trade is not in danger. Much water has passed under the bridges since 1886, even since 1893, and there is every indication that in the meantime the view that some measure of Home Rule is the only possible solution of the Irish question has gained ground in Great Britain until it now commands the approval of a majority of the voters. The most rabid Unionist leaders them selves complain of the apathy of their followers. An exami nation Of the arguments used by the leaders of the parties thatfore, say, and apparently believe, that the prime minister and his colleagues have sold themselves for place, and that they do not really believe in the measures they are supporting. It would be a mistake, however, to take this view too seriously. Even though we could believe the ministers, who are admitted by many Unionists to be a more able group of men than those who occupy the front Opposition bench, to be so entirely devoid of political scruples, it is impossible to conclude that all their eminent supporters out of office, publicists, journalists, and the like, are also of that character. We are obliged to believe, therefore, that the arguments used by the advocates of Home Rule represent the actual Opinions of a considerable number of English people.

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