In conclusion, we may add our own word to the talk of the hour—­the politicians on Home Rule.  It should raise a smile to hear so often the prophecy that Ireland will be loyal to the Empire when she gets Home Rule.  We are surprised that any Irishman could be so foolish, though, no doubt, many Englishmen are so simple as to believe it.  History and experience alike deny it.  Possibly the Home Rule chiefs realise their active service is now limited to a decade or two, and assume Home Rule may be the limit for that time, and speak only for that time; but at the end of that time our generation will be vigorous and combative, and if we cannot come into our own before then, we shall be ready then.  We need say for the moment no more than this—­the limit of the old generation is not the limit of ours.  If anyone doubt the further step to take let him consider our history, recent and remote.  The old effort to subdue or exterminate us having failed, the new effort to conciliate us began.  Minor concessions led to the bigger question of the land.  One Land Act led to another till the people came by their own.  Home Rule, first to be killed by resolute government, was next to be killed by kindness, and Local Government came.  Local Government made Home Rule inevitable; and now Home Rule is at hand and we come to the last step.  Anyone who reads the history of Ireland, who understands anything of progress, who can draw any lesson from experience, must realise that the advent of Home Rule marks the beginning of the end.

CHAPTER XVI

RESISTANCE IN ARMS—­FOREWORD

I

The discussion of freedom leads inevitably to the discussion of an appeal to arms.  If proving the truth and justice of a people’s claim were sufficient there would be little tyranny in the world, but a tyrannical power is deaf to the appeal of truth—­it cannot be moved by argument, and must be met by force.  The discussion of the ethics of revolt is, then, inevitable.

II

The ubiquitous pseudo-practical man, petulant and critical, will at once arise:  “What is the use of discussing arms in Ireland?  If anyone wanted to fight it would be impossible, and no one wants to fight.  What prevents ye going out to begin?” Such peevish criticism is anything but practical, and one may ignore it; but it suggests the many who would earnestly wish to settle our long war with a swift, conclusive fight, yet who feel it no longer practical.  Keeping to the practical issue, we must bear in mind a few things.  Though Ireland has often fought at odds, and could do so again, it is not just now a question of Ireland poorly equipped standing up to England invincible.  England will never again have such an easy battle.  The point now to emphasise is this—­by remaining passive and letting ourselves drift we drift into the conflict