FOREWORD.
Behind the question of a Second Chamber lies what is called "The Irish Question." But what is called the Irish Question is, if understood aright, an English question, a question for Great Britain. Will the Irish trouble be got rid of, will the hostile part of Ireland—for it is only a part—be permanently conciliated by the grant of a subordinate Home Rule Parliament? Or will the trouble be intensified, and a new danger, which a foreign Government can in the hour of peril turn into the equivalent of many Dreadnoughts, be planted upon the flank of Great Britain? This pamphlet, written by a highly qualified authority and establishing its case by contemporary evidence and the evidence of history, gives what I believe to be the true answer. It is of the utmost importance, not only to the loyal Irish, but to the people of Great Britain that they should not take a leap in the dark. Here they will find truth and proofs of the truth. There is a hostile Ireland in the pay of Mr. Patrick Ford, who has recently declared himself at once the supporter of the policy of dynamite, and of the policy of the party led by Mr. Redmond. There is also a loyal Ireland passionately attached to the English connection, but which may be turned into a helpless and sullen herd. Will the electors of Great Britain cast off loyal friends for the sake of strengthening the forces financed by such an implacable foe as Mr. Patrick Ford? Because I desire that they should act at least with open eyes, I beg them to study this pamphlet.
