THE IRISH QUESTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1515, 24 March 1887, Page 2

THE IRISH QUESTION

[rEUTBR'S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.]

London, March 22. The House of Commons rose today shortly after noon. On resuming at four o'clock, Mr W. H. Smith, the First Lord of the Treasury, moved that precedence be given to the Irish Crimes Bill. He also announced that the proposed Land Bill for Ireland would be divided into two parts, the first of which would be introduced forthwith, and the second at a later date. The latter he added, would deal with the question of land purchase. . He further stated that if the measures were rejected, the Government would appeal to the country. The intention of the Government to pass a Bill for the suppression of crime has been discussed by the London Press. It is expected that a lively debate will ensue, and that the Bill will meet with, much opposition. The "Standard," referring to the motion of Mr Morley, says that such a course would only perpetuate tha anarchy which now prevails. The arrest of Father Kellar has created a great sensation among the extreme Irish, and has had the effect of stimulating an increase of contributations to the National League fund. The union "of the Gladstonites and I Parnellites, under Mr J. Morley's motion, for the purpose of obstructing the passage of the Crimes Bill, is much condemned. London, Maroh 23. In the House of Commons last night Mr John Morley delivered a 6pcecb opposing the granting of precedence to the Crimes Bill, declaring that the Government had merely decided to suppress the Plan of Campaign adopted by the Nationalist party, not to restore older m Ireland. Mr Arthur J. Balfour, Secretary for Ireland, announced that the first , Irish Land Bill would be introduced m the House of Lords and would jdeal with the question of leases.