THE IRISH DIFFICULTY.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 89, 27 May 1882, Page 163

THE IRISH DIFFICULTY.

A correspondent offers a new solution of the Irish difficulty, which is worthy of publication for its originality, though we do not feel called upon at present either to endorse or condemn it. He writes : — Sir, — Ireland in its present condition must continue to be a thorn in the side of Great Britain, and a Bource of weakness rather than of strength. To exterminate or expatriate all the people of Ireland, who are troublesome-^-both of which plans are advocated by a few bloodthirsty or bigotted fanatics — is too horrible and degrading . to our humanity to be entertained for a single instant. To cut the painter and permit Ireland to go out of the United Kingdom is equally out of the range of: possibility. She would simply form a point d'appui, or base of operations for any foreign enemy with whom Great Britain happened to be at war. But there is, I think, one way of cutting Ireland adrift, and satisfying her aspirations for independent nationality. It is said that Pope Leo has for some time past felt extremely uncomfortable in Rome, that he has been " a prisoner in the Vatican," and would gladly accept a suitable home in any other country. My idea is that the Papal See should be transplanted to some place in the • South of Ireland, the European,. Powers entering^into a Treaty- to guarantee the independence andihvjolability;of the 3Sew Papal Dominion. I have no doubt that- the 'great. bulk of the .Irish; people , would gladly accept the proposal, and welcome / with open arms their new Sovereign, in the person of His Holiness. There might be some difficulty in reconciling many parts of the North of Ireland—the heretics— to the change, but the ' difficulty. ought to be got over, and if all other means failed they might be left to fight out the question amongst themselves. Another difficulty would arise from all the Irishmen in Great Britain and the colonies becoming aliens, but of course they would willingly become naturalised and take the oath of allegiance. lam not wedded to any particular details in carrying this scheme into effect, and I merely throw out the sketch as a suggestion. X"or do I desire to claim any credit for it. ,The consciousness of purity of motive is it own reward." Is our correspondent poking fun at us ?