HOME-RULE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.'] SIn,—I am a very regular and diligent reader of the Spectator, and it seems to me you, in common with most Englishmen, believe the people of Ireland want Home-rule, but that they are not to have it because the "predominant partner" does not wish to grant it to them. Now, I have lived in Ireland nearly all my life, and have dealings with scores of Irish farmers, shopkeepers, &c., and I do not believe that 1 per cent. of them want Home-rule. We who live in Ireland know that when the Lords threw out Mr. Gladstone's Home- rule Bill two years ago, there was no feeling but one of general relief. To give one instance. Just at that time, I asked a " small" farmer if he were sorry Home-rule was done for P " Oh, the devil carry their Home-rule," said he ; " a lot of good it would do the likes of me." I firmly believe if you exempt what Mr. Parnell called " gutter sparrows," who earn their living by agitation, this poor tenant expressed the honest feelings of the Irish people.—I am, Sir, &c.,
" PA.TRICR."
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