THE CRIMES BILL AND THE LIBERAL UNIONISTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1523, 2 April 1887, Page 2

THE CRIMES BILL AND THE LIBERAL UNIONISTS.

(SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION. J London, March 29, Lord Hartington is considerably alarmed at the discontent expressed with the Coercion Bill. A meeting of the Unionist party has been called for Thursday to fully discuss the situation. The Liberal caucus meet on Wed-i nesday. The Parnellites ridicule the idea of the Government attempting to pass the Crimes Bill before Whitsuntide. To think of passing it before Easter they say is to hope for the impossible, especially as Mr Gladstone has approved of the plan for opposing it by legitimate means. Anti-coercion demonstrations have been arranged, similar to those held at the time of the Bulgarian atrocities. Mr Parnell considers the. Eill the strongest coercion measure ever submitted to Parliament. It even attempts to create offences unknown m the statutes. The first victims under the new law would be ' the writers m the National papers and Home Rule orators. The resistance offered by his party m the event of the Bill becoming law would be purely passive. They would endeavour to maintain a calm, determined stand against tyraany, m order not to alienate their British friends. M»rch 30 Mr Gladstone, m the House of Commons last night, said that there was nothing m the condition of the country to justify the increased stringency of the Crimes Bill, which would brand the Irish with the stigma of inferiority. Mr Goschen said the machinations of the Land League had destroyed the efficiency of the jury system. March 31. The Tory and Unionist press take exception to the provision m the Crimes Bill for the transfer of trials to England, which it is now thought the Government will not seriously endeavor to retain. The Radicals are promoting active agitation outside Parliamentary circles against the Coercion Bill, m order to take advantage of the Easter recess. In response to an appeal from Mr Parnell, the American branch of the Land League has promised energetic assistance m the ensuing struggle with the Government. Commenting on the important speech delivered by Mr Gladstone m the House of Commons on the Cri/nes Bill, the "Times" declares strongly against the speech, and avers it was unreasonable and guilty of determined blindness to the best interests of the nation. The " Morning Post" refers to the views previously enunciated by Mr Gladstone on Irish affairs, and remarks that be must be curiously oblivious to the past. The " Daily News" warmly eulogiess the speech and congratulates him on his fidelity to the principles promulgated last year, which are necessary for dealing with Ireland, adding that Mr Gladstone is a true liberal. The " Daily Telegraph," m an incisive criticism, asserts that the speech is absolutely faultless. The "Standard" considers the speech, owing principally to the absence of all indication on the part of Mr Gladstone of any modification of his extreme views, will have the effect of strengthening the hands of the Government. The Liberal Unionists will give a banquet to the Marquis of Hartington. The members of this party are prepared to extend local government to Ireland, but not to hand over to a local Legislature the control of the criminal law, They contend that the persistent statements thrt excessive rents are being imposed are mere assertions, and not proved.