Opposition [to Home Rule for Ireland] Due to Ignorance, by Alfred Russel Wallace

Alfred Russel Wallace : Alfred Wallace : A. R. Wallace :
Russel Wallace : Alfred Russell Wallace (sic)

Opposition [to Home Rule for Ireland]
Due to Ignorance (S692a: 1912)

Editor Charles H. Smith's Note: In its February 1912 issue Nash's Magazine printed a collection of opinions it had solicited from prominent persons as to whether Home Rule for Ireland seemed to be a "foregone conclusion." Wallace's reply appeared on page 541 of the article. To link directly to this page, connect with: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S692A.htm

Opposition Due to Ignorance

Opinions however violent, or epigrams however clever, are absolutely worthless on the question of "Home Rule." All opposition to it is due either to ignorance or prejudice: especially to ignorance of Irish history and of Irish character and to prejudice against the Roman Catholic Church.

The facts as to the history of Ireland are an eternal disgrace to England; the facts as to the character of the Irish people place them at a considerably higher level than Englishmen as regards morality, imagination, and many of the more attractive intellectual qualities.

Even if the Irish were a minority in Ireland, they would be better fitted to rule their own country than we are.

Alfred Russel Wallace.
Old Orchard, Dorset.

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