Ireland : a book of light on the Irish problem

Front matter

A BOOK OF LIGHT

ON THE

IRISH

Preface

T T is intended that this book shall be made a Representative Work on the Irish Problem. A number of eminent Englishmen, such as Professor FREEMAN, Sir C. GAVAN DUFFY, Professor SIGERSON, will contribute articles to a future and more complete edition of the Work, with other well-known leaders of mind in this country and the United States.

It is believed that the volume throws some strong light upon the position which the Liberal Party must occupy, and that swiftly, if it is to preserve its historical reputation, be worthy of its grand leader, and victorious in the great struggle before it. Any other position will be lower down, less secure, and less commanding. The site here indicated by wise and far-seeing men is one as lofty as it is impregnable. If you have not the courage to occupy that situation, fortified as it is by Great Principles and by Liberty herself, how can you have the courage to take up a position out in the open, which will give you no natural advantages and expose you to the withering fire of a swarm of foes ?

In this work, of course, no contributor must be held answerable for the opinions of any other, though it will be seen there is complete union of sentiment among them.

vi PREFACE.

The article from " Leaves from a Prison Diary," by Mr. MICHAEL DAVITT — who I am sure will be of the greatest service to his country in its new era of national life — is printed here at his kind suggestion, and by the courteous permission of Mr. CHAPMAN (Messrs. Chapman, Hall & Co., Limited).

THE EDITOR.

Contents

INTRODUCTION ix

ARTHUR ARNOLD i

HON. REGINALD B. BRETT 19