IRISH AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2076, 10 May 1907, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS.

Press Association. —Copyright. LONDON, May 8.

In the House of Commons Mr. Redmond received Mr. Birrell’s Bill with qualified approval. He disapproved of the nomination members, but accepted them with the hope of allaying fears of the minority. He withheld final judgment on the Bill, but would not repel any device for lessening his countrymen’s, sufferings. Irish Unionists vehenmently denounced the measure, iiredicting religious strife, and the minority would be at the mercy of a permanent Catholic majority.

Mr. Redmond’s speech referred to Mr. Birrell’s Administrative Council of Dublin Bill, which after the. closure had been applied, was read a first time by 416 to 121. Mr. Birrell remarked that it did not contain a touch, trace, hint, or suggestion of any new legislative power or authority, adding that Parliament would remain majestically unaffected by its

provisions. Mr. Birrell explained that the only way the Administrative Council ol Dublin Bill could lead to a larger policy is in affording triumphant proof of the capacity of the Irish masses tor governing themselves and governing the minority ably and impartially. The Council would consist of 82 members, elected by local government electors, and 24 nominated, with the Under-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant added as an ex-officio member, woidd form * the Council, which would have complete control over and exercise the powers now or hereafter vested in eight Departments, including Local Government, Congested District's, Public Works Boards, and the New Education Departments. The Times says had no Nationalists openly exulted, the Bill was clearly a step to the larger policy they had been playing up to. Their party was in entire accordance with Sir H. C Bannermann’s policy, and the Bill was an effective, though skilfully disguised, engine enabling them to prosecute their aims. Mr. Birrell emphasised that the Board of Works under the new Bill could perform its duties only by taking wide views of resisting the pressure. The pension rights of existing public servants would be safeguarded, and a separate Irish Treasury under an Irish Treasury would be established. An Irish fund of £4,000,000, consisting of £2,000,000 now spent by eight departments, with an additional £650,000 per annum from the British taxpayer, which was due to ¥ rge expenditure, and would be a charge on the Consolidated Fund, and finally £1,450,000 for local grants to be paid to the Irish Treasury, and administered by the Council. Any act due to preference shown to religious denominations would uo invalidated. Parliament’s final authority would bo secured by empowering the Lord-Lieutenant to reserve the Council’s resolutions. Roman Catholics would be eligible for the position of Lord-Lieutenant. s ., Mr. Balfour doubted whether Mr. Birrell regarded his preposterous scheme seriously. He predicted it would bo unworkable. It would create constant friction, and besides it would not relieve the House of Commons of one hour’s work. It was unsatisfactory that any party should bo used for Nationalist ends. The Pall Mall Gazette denounces the Bill as a back-door attempt to secure Home Rule. The Westminster Gazette says the Bill is different from Home Ride, and strictly in accordance with the pledges given before the election. (Received May 9, 10.59 p.m.) LONDON, May 9. There is a great Nationalist outcry in Ireland against the Party leaders acquiescing in the unsatisfactory and inadequate Council Bill.