THE TESTIMONY OF FRIEND AND FOE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 21, 20 September 1895, Page 18

THE TESTIMONY OF FRIEND AND FOE.

We reproduce elsewhere the report of a speech recently delivered at Tralee by Sir Tiiomas H. G rattan Esmonde. We do not know of any source whence a better or a sounder view may be derived of the spirit by which the more sensible body — that is the great majority — of the Irish people are actuated. Sir Thomas Esmonde speaks in a tone of firm hopefulness that at the present time is particularly reassuring. He looks defeat in the face like a man, and declares himself ready to renew the fight, enumerating at the same time all the points that have been gained, Throughout the speech is characterised by a marked tone of moderation. The speaker proclaims himself the partisan of no party, and the sworn follower of no leader. The great object that he keeps in view is the welfare of Ireland and the means of obtaining for her the measures necessary to promote her interests. Although a check has been received, he sees that the tiue strength of the cause remains intact, and that there is no reason to despair of its being once more rallied and brought to bear upon the opposing camp. Sir Thomas lismonde too, like Mr Sexton and Archbishop Walsh, to whom we alluded in a recent article, perceives the crying need of the hour, and the point wherein the power of the Irish people lies, lie also may be

depended on to use all h's influence, which, indeed, is of no light weight, to bring about the reunion whereon so much depends. " If," he said, " they had the Irish people behind them it did not matter how big was the hostile majority against them. They wanted only a good, strong, and secure footing at home." To confirm these words we may quote testimony uttered with a very different feeling — that, namely, of the London Times. The Times expresses disappointment, and implies more than it expresses, at the result of the elections in Ireland. Everywhere else, it says, the Unionists have made notable gains. " But Irish constituencies remain by a great, and indeed slightly increased, majority Separatist." While Ireland, then, remains to all intents and purposes, notwithstanding some bickering — or even some sbillela flourishing — among sections, one in determination, the chief point remains intact, and the source whence ultimate victory may be looked for continues sound. This speech of Sir Thomas Esmonde's, therefore, borne out by the unwilling testimony of the Times, may serve to reassure us. Sir Thomas Esmonds tells us that so long as the Irish people remain constant there is nothing to fear. The Times admits, with chagrin, that they do in fact remain so.