A GRIEVOUS BLUNDER.

Evening Post, Volume LXIII, Issue 64, 15 March 1902, Page 4

A GRIEVOUS BLUNDER.

The most regrettable incident connected with the capture of Lord Methuen, wiho has now, it would seem, teen released by the humane and chivalrous Boer leader De la Rey, was the outburst of cheers with which certain Irish Nationalists greeted the announcement. Messrs. Dillon and Tim Healy, neither of whom can be accused of lack of devotion to Ireland, evidently realised the indecency of such an exhibition of feeling at such a time and in such a place. Their influence, however, was not enough to restrain their more impetuous and we fear it must be added, vindictive colleagues. The occurrence has brought upon the offenders a dignified rebuke from Mr. John Morley, who has long been the leading champion of the Irish cause in the ranks of the English Liberals. ,The rebuke is all the more forcible because Mr. Morley is to be numbered among those who have strenuously opposed the South African War from the very beginning. Though a Home Ruler and a so-called Pro-Boer, he unhesitatingly described the conduct of these Nationalists as " execrable." Irishmen have fought on the veldt for the Empire as bravely as any of His Majesty's subjects, and we cannot believe that the bulk of the Irish people, however strong their political passions, will sympathise with such a " breach of right feeling and decency" as their representatives have committed. It is reckless conduct such as this <w(hich creates the strongest opposition to Home Rule, and makes it difficult for English or Scottish Liberals to contemplate with favour an Irish alliance. Lord Rosebery has naturally seized the opportunity to emphasise his prudence in abandoning the Gladstonian Home Rule policy, and the general effect of the demonstration will be adver9e to the professed aims of the Irish Party. It w^ll strengthen the hands of those who urge" that the Empire cannot safely trust an independent Parliament in Dublin. Had Mr. Parnell been at the helm this impolitic exhibition would hardly have been allowed.