chequer an opportunity of triumphantly vindicating the policy of the Government, and reasserting their resolute determination to uphold the supremacy of the Queen, and to maintain and enforce the authority of the law in Ireland.
This debate, as well as his whole conduct during the session, has had the effect of still further securing the high place which Mr Balfour has obtained for himself in the esteem of all loyal and right-thinking subjects of the Queen. He has been bitterly assaulted, cruelly reviled, and remorselessly abused, both in and out of Parliament; but he has held on his way, firmly and steadily, ignoring abuse, repelling attacks, and unflinchingly discharging the duties of his responsible and arduous office. No statesman in recent years has made his mark so quickly and so forcibly; and the vigour, courage, and endurance which he has displayed have given strength and support to the Government, which have indeed been invaluable to the Unionist cause. It is in vain that the Irish Separatists pour forth their venomous vituperation against Mr Balfour, and endeavour to associate his name with the coercive policy which their own misdoings and evil counsels have inflicted upon their unhappy country. The country cannot be deceived by the wild ravings and extravagant utterances of these Nationalists, who have done their utmost to disgrace the "nationality" of which they claim to be the representatives and champions. It has become clear as daylight that the actions and speeches of these men and their followers have reduced Ireland to a condition in which either the law-abiding and peaceful population must submit to be coerced by law-breakers and ruffians, or the latter must be detected and restrained by exceptional legislation, such as that which has been enacted by the Imperial Parliament. The paramount necessity of adopting the latter alternative has been recognised by all those whose judgment has not been swayed by political prejudice or blinded by party passion; and the howl of simulated indignation with which the incarceration of any law-breaking Nationalist leader is received by the Gladstonian-Parnellite faction, meets with no response from the loyal and law-abiding British people. It is in vain that Mr Gladstone flits about like an uneasy spirit, and delivers Separatist addresses at the various luncheon, tea, or garden parties, which appear to provide for him more appreciative audiences than he is able to find in the House of Commons. Charm he never so wisely, he cannot charm the British people out of their common sense, nor persuade them to intrust again to his hands that task of satisfying Ireland in which he has so often and so signally failed. So far as his English and Scotch followers are concerned, it must be frankly and sorrowfully admitted that the events of the present session seem to have bound them more closely than ever to the chariot-wheels of Mr Parnell, and that their divorce from the old and cherished traditions of the Liberal party has become more and more complete. If we have seemed to blame the supporters of her Majesty's Government for indulgence in an occasional display of independence, no such charge can fairly be brought against "her Majesty's Opposition." This cardinal principle of Liberalism has been en-
