But there are certain attributes which malice itself can scarcely deny him.

All his ideals were generous.

His love of country, the master-motive in his life, had nothing in it exclusive or tribal or partisan.

His was a policy forward-looking and constructive; without narrowness or jealousy, it aimed to bring the destinies of Ireland into the hands of Irishmen, not greatly caring what Irishmen they were--indeed, if they were in a real measure responsible to Ireland, not caring at all.

In this spirit he grasped masterfully at the chance which the war offered; in this spirit, he went out to meet his fellow-countrymen in the Irish Convention.
And not only towards his countrymen was he magnanimous.