The right attitude for a politician, it is urged, is trust; he should trust the Irish leaders and their assurances or professions; he should trust in the training conferred upon men by the exercise of power; he should trust in the healing effects of a policy of conciliation, or, to put the matter shortly, he should trust in the goodness and reasonableness of human nature.

Exercise only a little trustfulness and the policy of Home Rule, it is suggested, may be seen to be a wise and prudent policy.[123] How far, then, is trust in any of the three forms, which it may on this occasion take, a reasonable sentiment?
We are told to trust the Irish leaders.
My answer to this advice is plain and decided.

Confidence is not a matter of choice.

You cannot give your trust simply because you wish to give it.

Men are trusted because they are trustworthy.