THE ASPECT OF HOME RULE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 210, 13 April 1877, Page 11

THE ASPECT OF HOME RULE.

We are happy to learn from the news received by the San Francisco mail that the Home Rule movement in Ireland continues to prosper. English statesmen no longer act as if it -Were true, according to the declaration of Lord Derby, that there was no more probability of Irishmen obtaining the measure they so much desired, than of a whimsical child who cried for the moon gaining the object of his perverse requirements. The old tactics have once more been tried, but this time they have resulted only in making manifest the alarm of the Government. It has been sought to bribe the leaders of the popular party, so that they might desert the cause they have so far conducted triumphantly ; but the attempt has failed. Self-interest has yielded to sincerity, and the renewed confidence of the nation in them is more than a sufficient reward in the estimation of those whose steadfastness »nd ! probity have deserved it. j Mr. Butt especially has given evidence of the genuineness of his claim to the reverence of the people, and if, as he declares with hopeful pride, his name is destined to shine upon

the page of history, as that of the champion of a successful cause, it will also be surrounded there by rays emanating from well-proved devotion and the sacrifice of self. That the people are thoroughly in earnest now in fighting their peaceable and praiseworthy battle for the possession of their own country, and the right to make their own laws, is very evident. The results of the Waterford election afford a proof of their determination to triumph over everything. All the engines that power could bring forward or ingenuity devise were there pitted against them. The influence of great names, the potent bullying of the landlords, threatening eviction with all its desolating consequences to the dearest interests of their tenants. Everything was done that a dominant party, abounding in wealth and power could do ; and their success seemed assured, for there appeared no possibility that the measures so warmly adopted and relentlessly pursued, in order to secure the continued ascendency of a class in opposition to the I general welfare of a nation, could succumb. It was even confidently boasted that, although there would be a close contest, the affair was certain — the advocate of oppression and bungling was sure to be returned and the popular candidate rejected. But the result was a miserable failure. Tli6 choice of the Government and hope of the landlords was even ludicrously defeated ! Out of 2,500 votes in all, he gained 600, yielding to his opponent a majority of 1,300. Such is the spirit with which Home Rule is being pushed forward at present. Determination exists amongst the masses, and the leaders are united and trustworthy. It may, then, well be credited that the chiefs of the English Liberals are beginning to'manifest a disposition to examine into the matter, and even to contemplate the possibility of an union with the Irish members. In fact, all things seem conducive to the fulfilment of Mr. Butt's prediction that — " Even before the centenary of 1782 returns we will see, at least on the anniversary of that great occasion, her Majesty opening the Parliament of Irish members in College Green — the Parliament, as it will then, indeed, be, of the * Queen, Lords, and Commons of Ireland."