THE HOME RULE BILL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2981, 22 May 1886, Page 3

THE HOME RULE BILL.

ARRIVAL OP MEMBERS. The London correspondent of the New York Times describes the scene in and about the House of Commons. Members began to assemble as early as five o’clock in the morning so as to make sure of their seats. THE SCRAMBLE FOR PLACES. The scramble for places was terrific among outsiders. Ladies began to come at ten o’clock, and at noon one could see duchesses on the stairs, eating penny buns, while waiting for the doors to open. Later on a cuv.'.ons. sight was presented in the Commons’ lobby when the peers formed a group at the door of their gallery waiting for it to open, and were ordered n'nout by the lackeys like commons mortals. The Irish and (he Radicals derived great enjoyment from observing this scene. When the door was opened the Peers made a grand rush, like a crowd in the gallery of the theatre, and even the dignified Lord Spencer jumped over the seats like a hoodlum to gain the front row. The Prince of Wales, Pri nee Victor, and Prince Christian sat over the clock watching the proceed-

ings glumly. Members, strangois, peeis, and diplomats wei c all packed in like sardines. PUBLIC OPINION ON THE BILL. The London con espondent of the New York Tribune says:—“All concur that Ihe scheme which was developed by Mr Gladstone is, whatever else may be thought of it, a great effort at constructive legislation—a work of unequalled power and experience. But the most devoted Gladstonians are obliged to admit that the speech and scheme have alike failed to conciliate the opponents of Home Uule, to reunite the Liberal party, or to convince English opinion. Its sole success is with the Parnellites. During the greater portion of the speech they alone cheered. Parnell’s approval of the scheme, though qualified, is sufficient to induce himself and his followers to strain every effort to secure its acceptance. In no other quarter whatever can the reception of the proposals be deemed cordial. Every important journal in Loudon is dead against it, the Daily News excepted, amt even that journal discusses it despondently. The two most powerful journals in Great Britain outside of London are the Manchester Guardian and the Scotsman. Both condemn the measure; both regard it as equivalent to separation ; both predict its rejection by the country. Sncli provincial papers of weight as adhere to Gladstone temper their support with conditions and with demands for modification of various features of the scheme.”