IRISH ADMINISTRATION

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 45, 22 February 1905, Page 4

IRISH ADMINISTRATION

THE MacDONNELL INCIDENT, CENSURING IRISH SECRETARY MR. WYNDHAIfS REPLY.' (By Cable.—Press Association.-CopyrlfetJ. LONDON, February 21. In the House of Commons last night Mr. Redmond, the Leader of the Nationalist party, moved an amendment i> favour of Home Rule for Ireland. The Irish members censured the Seer* •* tary for Ireland (Mr. Wyndham) for throwing over Sir Anthony MacDonnell Under-Secietary for Ireland. '

Mr. Moore charged the Government with coquetting with Home Rule, and with being participators iv the negotutions of conspirators. The Government , ! treatment of Sir A. Ma.cDonnell was infamous, and the Irish Unionists would be unable to vote confidence in the present Irish administration. He appealed to • the Government to get rid of its rotten and sickening policy of conciliation.

ill-. Wyndham delivered a passionate reply. He declared, that Sir A. MaeDonnell, after distinguished service, in India, had been appointed rather as a colleague than a subordinate. He had beeu authorised to confer with Lord sunraven, who, at the beginning of 1903, had intimated that he was in favour of. a moderate Unionist party, but neither then nor afterwards had he (Mr. Wyndham) said or written one word in favour of a semi-elective financial board, or the delegation of powers of the British Parliament except in respect to pri« vate bills.

Mr. Wyndham continued: "My letters to Sir A. MacDonnell, at the outset, show that he intended to deal, inter alia, with the co-ordination of control of detached boards, which will never suggest to mc the idea of introducing an elective board. • My colossal ignorance of Indian administration is one reason for my misunderstanding Sir A. P. MaeDonnelPs intentions, but the moment I saw the Re- • form Association's proposals I repudi- " ated them. I was not aware then that Sir A. P. MacDonnell had helped to , frame them. • Sir Anthony MacDonnell f informed Lord Dudley of the nature of the proposals, in the belief that I was not histile to their public discussion. There is no reflection upon the integrity of Sir A. MacDonnell, whose career hts been unblemished." ■

Asked whether the censure extended to the Viceroy, Mr. Wyndham replied that , at the moment the censure was decided upon by the Cabinet he was not aware ' that the Viceroy had participated in Sir A. MacDonnell's action. •

The debate was adjourned

"The Times" says that it is understood that the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland (Lord Dudley) has resigned, and that Sir A. MacDonnell's early retirement is generally expected.

[The trouble which is here glanced at. was the participation of Sir A. MiicDonnell in Lord Dunraven's scheme of reform for Ireland. This "devolution" project aimed at a gradual approach to Home Rule, and the Under-Secretary to" the Lord Lieutenant was censured for giving it his support.] LORD DUDLEY'S RESIGNATION. UNLIKELY TO BE ACCEPTED. (Received 7.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 21.

The view in London is that it is not likely that the Earl of Dudley's resignation will be accepted. The consensus of opinion is that he is popular with all; parties. The "Standard" says, that bi» retirement would be a grievous loss te Ireland. The "Daily Mail" says Mr. Balfour is expected to make a statement enabling Lord Dudley to remain and continue hh good work. SPEECH BY MR. REDMOND. (Received 8.27 a.m.) . LONDON, February 21. Mr. Redmond's amendment complains: v, of the system of government in Iseland in opposition to the will of the nation, giving no voice in the management of its '■■' own affairs, while it is ineffective, extravagant and productiveof universal discontent and unrest. Mr. Redmond declared that the Nationalists were neeei-" sarily independent of any British Government which did not make Home Rule a cardinal point in its programme.