When it is said or admitted by Gladstonians that the propertied classes of Ireland are against Home Rule we know what this means; it means that the energy of Ireland is against Home Rule, that the honesty of Ireland is against Home Rule, that the learning of Ireland is against Home Rule, that all that makes a nation great is against Home Rule, and that the Irishmen most entitled to our respect and honour implore us not to force upon them the curse of Home Rule.

This is no trifle.

Let us at any rate have done with phrases; let us admit that the satisfaction of Ireland means merely the satisfaction of a class, though it may be the most numerous class of Irishmen, and that it also means the bitter discontent of the one class of Irishmen who are specially loyal to Great Britain.

If we are closing one feud we are assuredly opening another feud which it may at least be as hard to heal.
But is it true that even the Home Rulers of Ireland are satisfied?
Their representatives indeed accept the new constitution.

Their acceptance may well, as far as intention goes, be honest.