Home Rule

New Zealand Tablet, 27 December 1906, Page 9

Home Rule

Patience is usually " power. But, like quinine,, it is more prescribed than taken. But it generally has its reward. Ireland's long, watching an-d waiting and striving for the right .of/ self-government accorded to the Isle of Man, scenT to be near their reward of realisation; and Mr. Devlin' may be (as he has prophesied) the last -envoy from Eire to plead for moral and financial aid for_ the cause of Home Rule. The editor of the ' National Review > avers that Mr. Balfour • stands absolutely^ clear of the devolution intrigue, and is ready and eager and panting for the Home Rule fray which is advancing upon us by leaps and bounds, in spite of the declarations of more than one Cabinet Minister, that a General Election won on Free Trade- gave no mandate for 'Home Rule.' The same writer adds this further interesting item of information ' There is reason to believe that Sir Antony MacDonnell has already drafted a measure constituting an Irish Parliament and an Irish Executive in Dublin.'

1 As to the attitude of King Edward,' said Mr. T. P. O'Connor a few weeks ago in America, ' I feel he is not' unfavorable to Ireland. He is shrewd enough to see the enormous importance of Ireland to his countiy and to his dynasty, and there is none more anxious than he to accomplish the reconciliation of that country. When he .went t 0 Ireland some, years age he received a hostile reception that Brought him to the reality and depth of Irish discontent. It shattered the tissue of gossamer ■' lies huilt up hy the press of London to the effect that the Irish people were contented. For these reasons I believe that if conditions were favorable King Edward would say to his Ministers that- the Lime had come for closing this' conflict forever.' . .