A Leap in the Dark

The title page reads A Leap in the Dark, a criticism of the principles of Home Rule as illustrated by the Bill of 1893, by A.V. Dicey. The dedication is to Irish Unionists, and says the writer trusts that their noble and strenuous defence of their own rights and liberties as citizens of Great Britain and Ireland will preserve the political unity of the United Kingdom.

A passage says that Lord Rosebery announced with wise foresight that Home Rule in Ireland could hardly be established with benefit to the United Kingdom until the assent thereto of the predominant partner had been obtained by force of argument. Cobden and Bright foretold that Free Trade would benefit England and that the civilised world would, influenced by England's example, reject protective tariffs. A passage says that criticism on anything that is new and untried, whether it be a new-built bridge or a new-made constitution, is of necessity predictive. A passage states a belief that the Irish have no wish to appear in the British Parliament.