The Project Gutenberg EBook of John Redmond's Last Years, by Stephen Gwynn

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Title: John Redmond's Last Years

Author: Stephen Gwynn

Release Date: December 17, 2004 [EBook #14374]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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[Illustration]

JOHN REDMOND'S LAST YEARS

BY

STEPHEN GWYNN

LONDON

EDWARD ARNOLD

1919

[All rights reserved]

PREFACE

In writing this book, I have had access to my late leader's papers for
the period beginning with the war. These were placed at my disposal by
his son, Major William Archer Redmond, D.S.O., M.P. I had also the
consent of Mrs. Redmond to my undertaking the task. But for the book and
for the opinions expressed in it I am solely responsible. No condition
having been imposed upon me, it seemed best, for many reasons, that it
should be written, as it has been written, without consultation.

A writer in whom such a trust has been placed may well be at a loss how
to express his gratitude, but can never convey the measure of his
anxiety. From those who cherish Redmond's memory, and especially from
those who were nearest to him in comradeship and affection, I must only
crave the indulgence which should be accorded to sincere effort.
Differences of interpretation there will be in any review of past
events, and others can claim with justice that on many points they were
better situated for full understanding than was I. Yet for the period
which is specially studied, if there is failure in comprehension it
cannot be excused by lack of opportunity to be thoroughly informed.

To readers at large I would say this--that if any sentence in these
pages be uncandid or ungenerous, it is most unworthy to be found in the
record of such a man.

S.G.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. INTRODUCTORY 1

II. REDMOND AS CHAIRMAN 23

III. THE HOME RULE BILL OF 1912 62

IV. THE RIVAL VOLUNTEER FORCES 9