But this makes it the more necessary that English electors should realise what this essential characteristic of Home Rule means, or may mean.

The Nonconformist conscience exposed Irish Home Rulers to painful humiliation and possible ruin by forbidding them to follow the political leader of their choice to whom they had deliberately renewed their allegiance.

Is it certain that Englishmen who could not tolerate the official authority of Mr.
Parnell will bear the official leadership, say of Mr.Healy, if employed to carry out the economical principles of Mr.Davitt?
The legislative powers, ample as they are, of the Irish Parliament are in some respects restricted, but what the Parliament cannot accomplish by law it could accomplish by resolution.

The expressed opinion of a legislature entitled to speak in the name of the people of Ireland must always command attention, and may exert decisive influence.

Suppose that the Irish House of Commons asserts in respectful, but firm, language, the right of the Irish people to establish a protective tariff; suppose that when England is engaged in a diplomatic, or an armed, contest with France, the Irish House of Commons resolves that Ireland sympathises with France, that Ireland disapproves of all alliance with Germany, that she has no interest in war, and wishes to stand neutral; or suppose that, taking another line, the Irish Parliament at the approach of hostilities resolves that the people of Ireland assert their inherent right to arm volunteers, or raise an army in their own defence.