AMERICA'S THREAT OF WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10014, 28 December 1895, Page 4

AMERICA'S THREAT OF WAR.

There is one incident of the present American war scare which will be taken note of throughout the Empire, and that is that Mr. John Redmond, the head of the Fnrnellito party, a member of the House of Commons, and a representative man, has telegraphed to America for publication a statement that "in the event of war the Irish would give a solid support to the United States." That of course means that at the first note of war with America Ireland would revolt, and levy war upon Great Britain. It is well that we should know what these people really mean. We may say that if Mr. John Redmond had any other Government to deal with than that which represents the magnanimous people of Great Britain, he would for such a declaration be arraigned for treason and speedily executed. As tho matter stands, we do not see how his offence can be overlooked, or merely treated with contempt. But Mr. John Redmond was here a few years ago, and was gushed over by many Irishmen as a patriot whom Englishmen and Scotchmen should admire. It is a common declaration here that' Irishmen are loyal to the core. Those who surrounded Mr. Redmond on the Auckland platform said so. Do they know more than Mr. John Redmond, who affirms that "in the event of war the Irish would give a solid support to the United States ?" The possibility of Homo Rule has passed away, but we should think that a traitorous and rebellious declaration like this would ruin tho chances of any good measure proposed for Ireland in the House of Commons. And what will be thought of this declaration by the great Liberal party, who have pledged themselves to Home Rule, and who now must be convinced that they have been associating themselves with men who are ready to rebel if England is at any time attacked by a foreign foe?