that, whilst Liberal-Unionists may not subscribe to everything in these pages, the book contains much which is common ground to both parties, and likely to be serviceable to LiberalUnionist speakers. Nothing could afford more gratification to the compilers than that this work should be of some assistance not merely to Conservatives, but also to those allies to whose loyalty the country owes so much. Important contributions to the work have been received from Mr. John Chisholm, who prepared the Chapter on the 'Liquor Laws," Mr. W. K. Dickson, who prepared the Chapter on "Home Rule," Mr. A. H. B. Constable, who prepared the Chapter on "Labour Problems," and Mr. N. J. Kennedy, who prepared the Chapter on "Taxation." The accuracy and the thorough character of these contributions have greatly lightened the labours of the Editorial Committee. The Committee have also to acknowledge the valuable assistance they have received in the preparation of the Index from Mr. A. H. B. Constable and Mr. W. K. Dickson. The compilers have made free use of the leaflets of the Scottish National Union, which have been of great assistance. Amongst many other sources to which they are indebted are the leaflets of the English Central Conservative Office and the English National Union, the Irish Unionist Alliance, and other Unionist organisations, and also the Constitutional Year Book, Handy Notes, and National Union Gleanings, from which much information has been derived. HECTOR MACLEOD, JAMES FERGUSON, JOHN C. GUY CHRISTOPHER N. JOHNSTON, Convener, Editorial Committee. 9 CASTLE STREET, EDINBURGH, 7th March 1894. XI. IRELAND UNDER THE UNIONIST GOVERNMENT, 1886-92 INTRODUCTORY NOTE THIS Handbook has been revised, amplified, and reissued primarily for the use of Unionist candidates and speakers during the General Election which is looked for in the present year. The endeavour has been to supply information on all the leading topics of political discussion likely to be before the country in the course of that contest in a handy and readily accessible form. The place of honour in the forefront of the Handbook still justly belongs to the work of the Unionist Government. The period which has elapsed since that Government resigned the reins of power enables the political student to judge of their policy and conduct from a juster perspective than was possible two years ago. Such a study only tends to confirm the sense of the unique character of the work which in six years they were able to accomplish. Opinions may differ as to the relative importance of their several achievements, but the following, perhaps, stand out as the most remarkable among many others of great value: The Annexation of Burmah. The Founding of our Central African Empire. The Fortification of the Indian Frontier. The Complete Reorganisation of our National and Imperial The Restoration of Order in Ireland. Irish Land Purchase. The Conversion of the National Debt. Local Government for England and Scotland. The Mines Act. Free Education. The New Education Code. The annals of British ministries will be examined in vain for a parallel to this series of achievements. The present Government have been nineteen months in office. During that period they have made larger and more constant demands upon the time of Parliament than did ever any previous Government in the like space of time. The result of these efforts is not a list of achievements, but a record of failures, a chronicle of blunder and disaster. Had Part III. of this work, which deals with Gladstonian Government, been limited to an account of what work the present Government have successfully accomplished, it might have been contained in a single chapter, and that the shortest in the book. Not Home Rule for Ireland, but the Home Rule Scheme of Mr. Gladstone, is now the issue before the country. Unionists must lose no opportunity of making that clear. Gladstonians are sure to spare no efforts to obscure this fact, to allude to Home Rule only in brief and general terms, and to divert the attention of the electorate by a hundred delusive promises; and therefore, if Unionist speakers are wise, they must, to use a homely expression, be careful to rub in this Home Rule Scheme. The temptation is great, doubtless, to leave Home Rule alone. The electors don't want Home Rule, and don't care to hear about Home Rule. A speech upon labour and social questions has far more interest for them, and the speaker may often be tempted to give the Home Rule question the go-by. But this would be a fatal mistake. If a Gladstonian Government is again returned to power, that Government, which will certainly be dependent upon the support of the Nationalist members, must pass a Home Rule Bill whether the country or even their own party wish it or not. They cannot hope to retain office for a single session upon any other terms. Let this, therefore, be made clear to the electors. They cannot put Home Rule aside except by returning a Unionist Government to power. Next in urgency to the Home Rule question comes that of Disestablishment in Scotland and Wales. This question and that of Home Rule resemble each other in this respect, that a large number of Gladstonian Liberals would gladly do without |