LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
DOES MR. GLADSTONE CONTEMPLATE FEDERALISM ?
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOE."j
Sin,—In your observations on the letter Mr. Gladstone has written to Mr. Watson, declining to commit himself to any revised scheme for Irish Home-rule, you say that nobody knows whether or not he is prepared to go the whole length of federalism in order to open the way for a separate Irish Legis- lature, and you add that this is what the constituencies ought to know.
Mr. Gladstone, I think, has allowed us to obtain very distinctly an insight into the drift of his thoughts, in his "Lessons of the Election," published by Murray, a manifesto which has not received the attention it deserves. I need only quote two passages ; but let me take this opportunity of recom- mending the attentive perusal of the pamphlet to those who are interested in Mr. Gladstone's future policy. He writes :—
"The fact that Wales has been from the first under an incorporating union has blinded us to the fact that there are within the United Kingdom no less than four nationalities. Of these four nationalities three have spoken for Irish autonomy in a tone yet more decided than
the tone in which the fourth has forbidden it." "The recent contest has been fought upon the question of nationality. Now, in the first place, this very fact, that an election has been contested on grounds of nationality, of itself gives a new place to nationality as an element of our political thought. Secondly, these nationalities will be inclined to help one another. Ireland has received signal assistance from Scotland and Wales on the great and capital subject of her nationality ; should there be questions coming forward in which Scotland or Wales have a special national interest or feeling, it is probable that Ireland, so long at least as she continues to have a voice through her members in English affairs, may reciprocate the boon The desire for federation floating in the minds of many has had an unexpected ally in the Irish policy of 1886, and if the thing which that term implies, contains within itself possibilities of practical good, the chance of bringing such possibilities to bear fruit has thus been unexpectedly and largely improved."
The policy of 1886 which has provided the desire for federation now floating in the minds of many with an unexpected ally, is Mr. Gladstone's policy.
If you will take the trouble to read the rest of the chapter from which I have quoted, you will admit that what Mr. Glad- stone proposes to do with our Constitution, should he be restored to power, is perfectly clear.—I am, Sir, &c.,
ARTHUR RUSSELL.
Previous page
