The present situation is intolerable, the concession of Home Rule to Ireland is a necessity.
This, to the best of my apprehension, is the Gladstonian argument.

My aim has certainly been to state it fairly and in its full force.
Is the argument valid?
Is the plea of necessity made out?
The answer may be given without hesitation.

It is not.

The allegations on which the whole train of reasoning rests are tainted by exaggeration or misapprehension, and the allegations, even if taken as true, do not establish the required inference; the premises are unsound, and the premises do not support the conclusion.
The premises are unsound.
The Gladstonians are far too much of parliamentary formalists.

Their imagination and their reason are impressed by the strength in the House of Commons of the Irish party.