It is said that the Home-rulers purpose to revive the
O'Connell " rent " on behalf of Mr. Butt, who sacrifices a large professional income and all chance of rising in his profession to his leadership of their party. There is no doubt that it is hard upon pro- fessional men to sacrifice their incomes to Parliamentary work, particularly when the work cannot lead to direct power, but the objections to this mode of compensation are unanswerable. The salaried politician ceases to be a leader, and must follow the party which pays him,—that is, must direct his policy according to the views of a multitude of men far less informed than himself. And the practice of granting salaries tempts the professional politician too much to aspire to the leadership, and outbid all rivals for the sake of the "rent." The time to reward a leader, if he is to be rewarded in that fashion, is when his work is done ; and the gift a testimonial, and not a retaining-fee.
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