The connection of Ireland with th* war in the Transvaal brings into view strange and almost lurid contrasts. For one aspect of the case we look to the field of battle, and we find not only Irish regiments doing deeds of valour and heroism which have excited the admiration of Europe, bat- a number of Irishmen in tlie very highest- positions of command. Lord Roberts and Generals White and French are Irish, and Lord Kit cbener was born in the County Kerry, though his nationality is more strictly Eng lish. When we look to the administration trs fi&d Lord Laasdowne, ths Sea-alary of

Stftte for War, descended from one of tha most picturesque of historic Irish rebels:, and Lord Wolseley, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Irish to the backbone. The

scene of operations, however, is not without touches of a different complexion. We heerd some time ago of Irish traitors at Maieking, and we have had occasional

glimpses of a scraggy Irish company among President Kruger's motley forces. But these are mere spots on the surface of a brilliant picture; and on the whole Ireland may fairly claim to have exercised a power ful and preponderating influence on the progress of tlie war. We do not say this in disparagement of the Highland Brigade with such chiefs as Wauchope aud- Hector Mftcdonald; nor of the various Euglish regiments who have touched the high-water mark of courage and endurance. But happily for all these forces there is no grim set-off to the glory of their deeds. There is nothing to mar their confidence in the enthusiastic sympathy of their relatives and fellow-countrymen at Home. They have been borne to victory on a wave of popular approval and admiration, in which there is no admixture of bitter hatred for the cause for which they are fighting.
