THE IRISH QUESTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 237, 8 January 1881, Page 2

THE IRISH QUESTION.

More Arrests. Parnell Opens the BallEarl Beaconsfield on the Situation. A Letter from His Holiness. (By Cable.) London, Jan. 6. Six more I-and Leagurcs ha ■:* b.en arrested in Ireland, and will shortly be placed on their trial. , Mr. Parnell has taken Ids sea in the House of Commons, aiv 1 ha given notice of an amendment on the address in Reply to.the Queen’s Speech, staling that he is convinced thatpeuce in Ireland will not be promoted by suspending the existing laws. The introduction of bills for the adoption of county government in Ireland, to secure protection- to person and property, and to resrict the sale and possession of arms, ha 'e been notified, and Mr. Gladstone wi 1 move that the discussion of these measures shall take precedence of everything, until they are passed. London, Jan. 7.

In the House of Lords to-cuy, the address in reply to the Speech Lora the Throne was voted, after a short debate. In consequence of the latter, Earl Beaconsfield said that the (lovernment, by reversing the policy of his Administration, had endanger d the peace of Ireland, and he olamed Ministers for not having earlier adopted a coercive policy. He advised them not to weaken the hands of the Executive in Ireland. Earl Granville, in reply, denied the assertions of Lord Beaconsfield, and argued that the Government was not alone answerable for the state of Ireland. Ministers were, he said, determined to enforce respect for the law in that country. In the House of Commons, the debate in reply is proceeding. Sir Stafford Northcote attacked, and Mr. Gladstone defended the policy of the Government in Ireland. The latter admitted that the condition of the country was shameful, but urged that earlier action was not justified for the suppression of the disorder without steps being taken to redress the grievances of the people. The debate has been adjourned to the next sitting.

The Pope has written a letter to the Archbishop of Dublin, in which he strongly condems the method of agitation of the Irish people to redress their grievances. He trusts justice will be done them by the Government, but expects that Irishmen will respect the laws of their country.