CHAPTER VIII

LABOUCHERE AND IRELAND

(1880-1883)

Ireland in 1880--The Land League--Outrages--Lord Cowper and Mr. Forster demand suppression of Habeas Corpus--Mr. Gladstone's hesitation--He yields under threat of Lord Cowper's resignation--Introduction by Forster of Bills for the Protection of Life and Property in Ireland, January, 1881--Labouchere's Irish views--Not at first a Home Ruler--Labouchere criticises Forster's measure in the House--The arrest of Parnell--His liberation--The "understanding" with Mr. Gladstone--Murder of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr. Burke--Renewed coercion opposed by Mr. Labouchere--He negotiates between the Government and Irish {xvi} leaders in order to modify the Coercion Bill--Correspondence with Mr. Chamberlain--Interviews with Mr. Parnell--Identity of his Irish policy with that of Mr. Chamberlain