IRISH AFFAIRS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1773, 22 February 1888, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS

[P*B PBBSS ASSOCIATION ]

London, Feb-ua^y 18. In the House of Commons Mr Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland, contrasted the treatment to which political prisoners were subjected by Sir George Otto Trevelyan, when he occupied the position of Chief Secretary, with that which they now undergo at the hands of the present Government. Under Sir George Trevelyan's r&gbne political prisoners were treated with greater harshness than at present. Mr O'Brien, M.P., during his recent confinement, was healthier than when he was first admitted to Tullamore gaol JBis weight had increased by the time fre was released. }}fr Gladstone attributed the diminution of crime m Ireland to the operation of the Land Act. He held that the plan of campaign had proved triumphant, and that the Land League was increasing m vigor, and was, he contended, entirely free from complicity m the crime with which it has been charged. Mr Gladstone concluded his remarks with an eloquent appeal to the Government and Parliament to give Ireland Home Kule, which he confidently believed would result m producing the desire of the age, namely, a truly united Empire. Mr Goschen, chancellor of the Exchequer, said Mr Gladstone's attitude towards the Government with regard to Irish affairs had seriously heightened the difficulties of enforcing law m Ireland.

London, February 20. by the Judge' 6 remark when dismissing ' the appeal made by Mr Wilfred Brunt against his conviction foi: taking pi'rt m a proclaimed meeting that he (Mr Blunt) had not come into ppurt with clean Hands, and wak really gu'iliy of acts oi 7 insurrection', the police paye fyecji industriously collecting evidence against Mr Blunt, and hay. noiy obtained evidence of a most damaging character showing that he was a principal m organising the boycotting on the Marquis of QianricardVs estate ) and further, that through his action and incitement to resistance .eight murders were committed m thirteen months. Considerable sympathy is felt for Mr Blunt throughout Great Britain as well as m Ireland.