JOHN REDMOND'S LAST YEARS

BY

STEPHEN GWYNN

LONDON

EDWARD ARNOLD

1919

[All rights reserved]

John Redmond, 1918.

Aged 61.

PREFACE

In writing this book, I have had access to my late leader's papers forthe period beginning with the war. These were placed at my disposal byhis son, Major William Archer Redmond, D.S.O., M.P. I had also theconsent of Mrs. Redmond to my undertaking the task. But for the book andfor the opinions expressed in it I am solely responsible. No conditionhaving been imposed upon me, it seemed best, for many reasons, that itshould be written, as it has been written, without consultation.

A writer in whom such a trust has been placed may well be at a loss howto express his gratitude, but can never convey the measure of hisanxiety. From those who cherish Redmond's memory, and especially fromthose who were nearest to him in comradeship and affection, I must onlycrave the indulgence which should be accorded to sincere effort.Differences of interpretation there will be in any review of pastevents, and others can claim with justice that on many points they werebetter situated for full understanding than was I. Yet for the periodwhich is specially studied, if there is failure in comprehension itcannot be excused by lack of opportunity to be thoroughly informed.

To readers at large I would say this—that if any sentence in thesepages be uncandid or ungenerous, it is most unworthy to be found in therecord of such a man.

S.G.

CONTENTS