ABSTRACT
William Ewart Gladstone always denounced the use of the word “Treaty” as applied to the arrangements under which Parnell left Kilmainham jail. His critics regarded his fierce protestations as merely another instance of his enjoyment of confusing and darkening dialectic; his dislike of calling anything by its naked name; his incorrigible casuistry. Nobody reviewing the facts and documents can doubt that the Government acted justly and wisely in releasing Parnell. Unhappily, actions that are wise and just in them may end badly from mistakes of method. Gladstone, owing to his folly in taking on himself the burden of the Budget, had his hands full at the critical moment, and the management of the affair was left to Joseph Chamberlain. Chamberlain was duped by O’Shea, but some of the blame must fall on Parnell. Parnell half accepted this arrangement though he took steps very soon to get rid of this impostor and substitute Justin McCarthy.
