Ireland is divided by hostile factions not too much prone to respect the law.

Even as things stand, the Irish Executive finds it hard enough to hold a perfectly even and level course, and the whole state of the country depends upon the spirit in which the law is enforced.

One of the very gravest defects of our present system is that in Ireland a change of government means, to a certain extent, a change in the administration of the law.

Yet both Mr.
Balfour and Mr.Morley have enforced the law, and have meant, according to their lights, to act towards all citizens with equitable impartiality.

And Mr.Balfour, Mr.Morley, or any statesman appointed by the Imperial Parliament, is likely to act with more fairness than at the present moment would any Executive chosen by any Irish Parliament.