But unless he has some comprehension of the principles themselves, it is of little use for him to record his vote.

I do not say that every English voter is bound to study Irish history in detail, but I do say that, at the present day, he is bound to know what the Irish themselves demand from England; and if he considers their demands reasonable, he should record his vote only for those who will do their utmost to obtain the concessions demanded.

A man is unworthy of the privilege of voting, if he is deficient either in the intellect or the inclination to understand the subject on which he votes.
But it is of still more importance that members of Parliament should read--and not only read, but carefully study--the history of Ireland.
Irishmen have a right to _demand_ that they shall do so.

If they undertake to legislate for us, they are bound in conscience and in honour to know what we require, to know our past and our present state.
Englishmen pride themselves on their honour; but it is neither honorable to undertake to govern without a thorough knowledge of the governed, or to misrepresent their circumstances to others whose influence may decide their future.
It was manifest from the speech of her Majesty's minister, on the night of the all-important division on the Irish Church question, that he either had not studied Irish history, or that he had forgotten its details.

If his statements are correctly reported by the press, they are inconceivably wild.