LORD WOLSELEY AS AN IRISHMAN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 38, 26 June 1891, Page 19

LORD WOLSELEY AS AN IRISHMAN.

(From the Pilot). The Dublin National Press of May 13, says that since his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the forces in Ireland, Lord Wolseley has become a convert to Home Rule, believing that the giving of selfgovernment to that country would not endanger the integrity of the Empjre. Of course Wolseley is intelligent enough to recognise that fact, and it will be remembered that a few years ago he publicly proclaimed his sympathy with Ireland's demand for fair treatment. Speaking at a banquet given him by the " Castle " folks of Dublin, in August, 188 1, ha s lid that his success had bred enemies and calumniators : •' Many stories have been propagated by them which are wholly acd entirely untrue ; but of all the unfair stories the foulest story ever invented about me, the greatest untruth stated against me is that which has been stated by some people recently, that I am antiIrish in my feelings and that my sympathies are not with the Irish people. That calumny I repudiate with all Jthe strength that is within me I decline most emphatically to be disassociated in any way with tbe land of my birth. I was brought up, my lords and gentlemen, to believe that Irishmen were cleverer, were abler, and were in every way better mea than any other people in the world. I now speak of my countrymen as I know them, and after a lo»g experience of them. After I have seen much of the world, and taking a clear view of all I have seen and goae through — speaking of them now I must say that I have seen nothing and heard nothing to make me waver in that faith." His reiteration of these sentiments at tbe present time cannot fail of having a good effect. Wolseley is an Irishman in feeling as well as by blood and birth. What a pity that another distinguished Irishman, Lord Duffenn, 'oses his opportunity of winning immortal honour aud gratitude in the same way. Dufferin might easily be the foremost m-m of his race if his patriotism were equal to bis acknowledged ability as a statesman. It is not the least of Ireland's wrongs that her most gifted sons are absorbed by the service of her ruler. Independence would give them a worthier field at home.