Croke upon Parnell.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7186, 10 June 1891, Page 2

Croke upon Parnell.

His Grace of Caßhel eeetua to have thought that the Irish nation wsb going over to MrParnell, for he has declared that the nation is unfit for Home Rule because it appears to believe in the unscrupulous dictator. It is the most serious utterance which has yet come out of Ireland. Archbishop Croke is one of the leaders of the national movement, one of the highest leaders at its head, one of the most clearsighted and most practical. If he has reason to think that the hold of Mr Parnell has not relaxed upon the people, then there ia reason to believe that the Irish will refuse to follow the majority of their representatives who remain faithful to the English Liberal alliance. The only hope of Home Rule ib in the continuation of that alliance. Therefore we agree with the Archbishop that the cause of Home Kule may be looked upon — if bis fears are well founded— as lost. Mr Parnell, having helped to pass Mr Balfour's Land Purchase Act, is now declaring in Belfast and other placeß that the Home Eule of Lord Salisbury is preferable to that of Mr Gladstone. He clearly cannot raeaa the rule of batons and bayonets, elae the people would not be with him. Is there some secret treaty which will come to light at the proper time? Stranger things have happened.