REDMOND, red'mond, John Edward, Irish political leader: b. Dublin, 1851; d. March 1918. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, studied law and was admitted to the bar. In 1876 he was elected a member of the House of Commons from New Ross, and later held a position in the vote office. From 1885 to 1891 he sat for North Wexford and from 1891 to his death was member for Waterford. In the House he became a for the Irish party, and was one of the most active sup porters of Parnell in his organization of the Irish Nationalist party. He made several trips to the United States and Canada in behalf of the Nationalists. When the party was divided over the question of the continuance of Par nell's leadership, he supported Parnell. In 1900, when the factions were united, he was made the leader of the united party, which he effectively organized. When the Liberals re turned to power in 1906, Redmond's position became one of supreme importance to Ireland and for the following eight years he ably led the movement having for object a measure of self-government for Ireland. His final came When the Home Rule Bill was passed in 1914. On the outbreak of the war with Ger many, Redmond, assuming to speak for all Ireland, pledged her support without condition in the war. Meanwhile, Redmond and his party had alienated the support of the younger generation of Irishmen, who disliked the machine methods of the Nationlists at the elections. However, the party and Redmond
had grown old during the strenuous years in which they fought for an equitable settlement of the land question and they were not re ceptive of the new ideas and ideals of nation ality which had permeated the younger genera tion through the work of the Gaelic League and similar organizations. The Insurrection of Easter week 1916 showed to what a point and young Ireland. The stern methods with which the insurrection was suppressed drew all Ireland (Protestant Ulster excepted) together in opposition to the hidebound methods of a leader and party who had become impotent. At by-elections in 1916 and 1917 members of the Sinn Fein or revolutionary party defeated Redmond's candidates and he saw nothing ahead but the breaking up of the old political machine which liad outlasted its usefulness. It is believed his end was hastened by the trend of events in Ireland. Redmond was a skilled parliamentarian and an eloquent and forceful orator. He published 'Historical and Political Addresses> (1898), 'Ireland and the War> (1915).