. On the contrary, he deals in particular facts and gives
his authorities. Nothing is more striking than the care he has
obviously taken to ascertain the details of the subjects with which he
has concerned himself and the inexorable logic of his method. It is
perfectly safe to say that he neglected few sources of information which
promised any valuable results, and that he has condensed into a few
pages the more vital points of many volumes. It is not necessary to say
anything of his style except that the cultured reader will most
appreciate and enjoy it.

I shall not anticipate what the author has to say except in respect of
one particular matter to which it seems to me expedient that particular
public attention should be directed, especially by English and Scotch
readers. The study of Irish history throws an inglorious light on the
character of many British statesmen, and one of the salient facts
brought into prominence in this little volume is that, even since the
conversion of Mr. Gladstone to Home Rule, more than one leader of each
of the two great political parties in Great Britain have displayed an
utter lack of political principle in their dealings with Ireland, and
especially with the Irish National question. I cannot but think that if
the facts, as told by the author of this volume, were universally, or
even widely, known amongst Englishmen and Scotchmen there would be much
less heard in the future regarding Home Rule eventuating in Rome Rule or
endangering the existence of the Empire.

This volume will, I hope, have a wide circulation not only in Great
Britain, where such works are specially needed but in Ireland itself,
where also it is well calculated to strengthen the faith of convinced
Home Rulers and to bring light to the few who are still opposed to the
Irish National demand for self-government, and to other important,
though minor, reforms.

J. E. REDMOND.

December, 1907.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I
THE EXECUTIVE IN IRELAND

CHAPTER II
THE FINANCIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

CHAPTER III
THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF IRELAND

CHAPTER IV
THE LAND QUESTION

CHAPTER V
THE RELIGIOUS QUESTION

CHAPTER VI
THE EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM

CHAPTER VII
UNIONISM IN IRELAND

CHAPTER VIII
IRELAND AND DEMOCRACY

CHAPTER IX
IRELAND AND GREAT BRITAIN

CHAPTER X
CONCLUSION

NOTES

ADDENDUM

"You desire my thoughts on the affairs of Ireland, a subject