Nor let any one imagine that the expression of the belief constantly avowed or implied throughout these pages, that Home Rule would be as great an evil to England as Irish independence, shows a reckless and most unbusinesslike indifference to the perils and losses of separation.

My conviction is unalterable that separation would be to England, as also to Ireland, a gigantic evil.

This position is fully compatible with the belief that there are other evils as great, or greater.

If a man says that he prefers the loss of his right hand to the loss of his life, he cannot reasonably be charged with making light of amputation.

It is however perfectly true that the line of argument pursued in this work must, if it be sound, drive those to whom it is addressed to a choice between the maintenance of the Union and the concession to Ireland of national independence.
FOOTNOTES: [1] These are-- i.