THE "TIMES" LIBEL CASE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1898, 21 July 1888, Page 2

THE " TIMES" LIBEL CASE.

[PER PRKBB ASSOCIATION J London, July 17 It is rumored that in ponsequence of the disclosures of tjbe " Times " libel action, the Government intends to initiate a State criminal prosecution against Parnell on a charge of being accessory to the Phoenix Park murders. London, July 18. The Parnell Commission Bill provides for the appointment of three Judges to hear the charges againt him, Mr Gladstone has been entertained by Sir Wilfred Lawson. In referring to $he County Government Bill he cordially commended its provisions. He considered ifc was the duty of the House of Commons to enquire into tho character of its members, and he objected to other persons being appointed to do so, and also to tho scope of the proposed "Times" Commlsßi'ou.

London, July 19, Tho members of the Union party oxpress surprise at Mr Parnell accepting the commission of Judges to hear the charges against him.

Mr Gladstone, speaking in the House of Commons, said it was cruelty to refuse Mr Parnell a Select Committee, and the enquiry ought to be limited to definite issues. Jtje considered Mr Parnell's approval of the retention of Irish representatives in Parliament ought to remoue any distrust now expressed at the Home l£ule scheme.

The " Times" alleges that the celebrated letters produced at the late trial were merely secondary evidence,