In 1899 another Bill was introduced, and, owing to its masterly handling by the Chief Secretary in the House of Commons, ably seconded by the strong support given by Lord Cadogan, who was in the Cabinet, it became law.
I cannot conclude this chapter without a word upon the extraordinary misunderstanding of Mr.Gerald Balfour's policy to which the obscuring atmosphere surrounding all Irish questions gave rise.

In one respect that policy was a new departure of the utmost importance.

He proved himself ready to take a measure from Ireland and carry it through, instead of insisting upon a purely English scheme which he could call his own.

These pre-digested foods had already done much to destroy our political digestion, and it was time we were given something to grow, to cook, and to assimilate for ourselves.

It will be seen, too, in the next chapter, that he had realised the potentiality for good of the new forces in Irish life to which he gave play in his two great linked Acts--one of them popularising local government, and the other creating a new Department which was to bring the government and the people together in an attempt to develop the resources of the country.