Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
8O LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
his sympathies and convictions, he yet shrinks
back in horror from applying the Republican
majority rule to Ireland. His great friend, Mr.
Gladstone, hitherto far more conservative than
Mr. Bright, has no such scruples. He seems
quite willing to trust the fairness and justice of
the majority. He is bitterly reproached for his
change of front. It is said he did not always
hold his present liberal views towards Ireland,
and that his conversion is far too sudden to be
genuine. His answer to this, however, seems to be
honest, statesmanlike, and conclusive. He tried
coercion for Ireland so long as he thought coercion
the only remedy for the ills of that country.
He treated Ireland as a wise physician would
treat his patient; having his health steadily in
view, when he found that one course of treatment
failed to restore health, he tried another. His
method was changed, but his object, never. I
hardly need say that I am in sympathy with
Home Rule for Ireland, as held by Mr. Gladstone
; I am so, both for the sake of England and
for the sake of Ireland. The former will throw
off a tremendous load both in money and in reputation
by granting it. The glory of England will
cease to be soiled with shame for the grievances
of Ireland, and Ireland will be put upon her good
behavior before the world, and made responsible
for her own good or ill condition. Though often