The argument from Irish history gives rise to, or, more properly speaking, contains in itself two further distinct lines of reasoning in favour of Home Rule, each of which supplements the other.  The first of these aims at showing that to leave Ireland to herself is the only method by which to restore order throughout the country.  This I have termed “the argument from the good effects of self-government,” the other deduces from the necessity for Coercion Acts the conclusion that England cannot maintain order in Ireland:  this I have termed “the argument from the necessity for Coercion Acts.”  These two lines of reasoning are simply an amplification of points suggested by the Home Rule argument from Irish history, and are of necessity therefore open to the same criticisms to which that argument is obnoxious.  They have, however, each a certain value of their own, and have made an impression on the English public:  they can each also be met by more or less special replies.  The argument, therefore, from the good effects of self-government and the argument from the necessity for Coercion Acts each deserve separate statement and consideration.

[Sidenote:  4.  Argument from self-government.]

The argument from the virtues of self-government.—­Self-dependence is the source of self-reliance and of self-help.  Leave Ireland to herself, and Ireland will (it is argued) develop the sense of responsibility and the power of self-government.  Mr. Parnell or Mr. Davitt as Irish Prime Minister will be able to perform with ease feats beyond the reach of any English Cabinets.  He will dare to be strong because he knows he is popular:  he will punish conspirators with a severity unknown to modern English governments; he will feel that anarchy is the bane of his country, and he will not tolerate disorder.  Boycotters, Moonlighters, Dynamiters or Assassins will find that they are called upon to meet a force of which they have had before no experience.  They will discover that they are engaged in a contest with the will of the people, and deprived, as they will be, of the moral sympathy which has hitherto given them comfort and encouragement, will yield obedience to a law which is the expression of the national will.  Self-government in Ireland means strong government, and strong government is the one cure for Irish misery.

This train of reflection has, unless I am mistaken, convinced many English Radicals that the installation of an Irish Ministry at Dublin will be the dissolution of every secret society throughout Ireland, and thus gained over to the cause of Home Rule men who detest anarchy even more than they love liberty.