on the outskirts of every movement a certain type of political adventurer who is ready to transfer his allegiance from one party to another according as he thinks the time serves.  He has no principle but to be always with the ascendant party, and to succeed in that aim he is ready to court and betray every party in turn.  As a result, he is a character well known to all.  The honest man who has been following the wrong path, and after earnest inquiry comes to the flag, we readily distinguish.  But it is fatal to any enterprise where the adventurer is enlisted and where his influence is allowed to dominate.  It may seem strange that such men are given entry to great movements:  the explanation is found in the desire of pioneers to make converts at once and convince the unconverted by the confidence of growing numbers.  We ignore the danger to our growing strength when the adventurer comes along, loud in protest of his support—­he is always affable and plausible, and is received as a “man of experience”; and in our anxiety for further strength we are apt to admit him without reserve.  But we must make sure of our man.  We must keep in mind that an alliance with the adventurer is more dangerous than his opposition; and we must remember the general public, typified by the man in the street whom we wish to convince, is quietly studying us, attracted perhaps by our principles and coming nearer to examine.  If he knows nothing else, he knows the unprincipled man, and when he sees such in our ranks and councils he will not wait to argue or ask questions; he will go away and remain away.  The extent to which men are ruled by the old adage, “Show me your company and I’ll tell you what you are,” is more widespread than we think.  Moreover, consistency in a fine sense is involved in our decision.  We fight for freedom, not for the hope of material profit or comfort, but because every fine instinct of manhood demands that man be free, and life beautiful and brave, and surely in such a splendid battle to have as allies mean, crafty profit-seekers would be amazing.  Let us be loyal in the deep sense, and let us not be afraid of being few at first.  An earnest band is more effective than a discreditable multitude.  That band will increase in numbers and strength till it becomes the nucleus of an army that will be invincible.

V

The fine sense of consistency that keeps us clear of the adventurer decides also our attitude to the well-meaning man of half-measures.  He says separation from England is not possible now and suggests some alternative, if not Home Rule, Grattan’s Parliament, or leaving it an open question.  In the general view this seems sensible, and we are tempted to make an alliance based on such a ground; and the alliance is made.  What ensues?  Men come together who believe in complete freedom, others who believe in partial freedom that may lead to complete freedom, and others who are satisfied with partial freedom as