BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2670, 11 October 1881, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[■Reuter's Agenct.J London, Oct. 8. Mr Gladstone on Ireland. A grand banquet in connection with the present Liberal gathering at Leeds took place at that town last night. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone made an important speech on the occasion, in which he dealt fully with the existing state of affairs in Ireland. Ho stated that the question at issue in that country was one of law or lawlessness, and pro ceeded to contrast the gospel of public plunder advocated b}' Parnell, and t a gentleman’s degrading and immoral doctrines, with the loyal utterances of O’Connell. Mr Gladstone added that the passing of the Land Act imposed new and special duties on Government, and they were determined to enforce the , Jaw and preserve the public peace. He concluded by appealing to all classes for support in what he characterised as a, “great impending crisis.”

Mr Gladstone on Foreign Affairs. A meeting, attended by fully 25,000 persons, was held to-day at Leeds, when Mr Gladstone again made an important speech. Referring to the state of affairs in Afghanistan, he expressed the hope that by steadily abstaining from ininterference in that country, the shameful memory of England’s past action might be effaced. In alluding to Egyptian affairs, he staled that Government would act strictly in accord with France in dealing witli Egypt. With regard to the action of the Transvaal Yolksraad, Mr Gladstone Hated that experience would possibly prove the necessity for an amendment of the settlement which had been arrived at, but he added that Government were determined to maintain the interests of the natives and uphold the dignity of England.