Professor S. H. Butcher, who is an Irishman, though he
lives and works most efficiently in Edinburgh, warns English- men that the control of the Irish Constabulary may mean a great deal for England. If the Home-rulers obtain it, they will be able not only to coerce all holders of landed pro- perty, by refusing them protection, but also, if they choose, to pass the whole population through the armed police, and so obtain an army to be used at a favourable moment against England. The suggestion is acute ; but though we are entirely against giving up the Police, on the ground that the leading Home-rulers are disinclined to do justice, we are not so sure that the disarmament of Ireland would, under Home-rule, be a good thing. An army of any kind, if it revolts, fights battles, and it may be questioned whether an Ireland which fought us openly and honourably in the field, would not be less troublesome than an Ireland which obstructs our governing Parliament. Certainly it would be much more deserving of respect.
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