To part with Parnell meant parting with the ablest leader that Nationalist Ireland had ever found.
A more heartrending alternative has never been imposed on any body of politicians, and John Redmond, unlike his younger brother, was not of those to whom decision came by an instinctive act of allegiance.

His nature forced him to see both sides, but when he decided it was with his whole nature.

The issue was debated by the Irish party in Committee Room 15 of the House of Commons, with the Press in attendance.

In this encounter Redmond for the first time stepped to the front.

He had hitherto been outside the first flight of Irish parliamentarians.