IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7069, 15 February 1893, Page 1

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

THE HOME RULE BILL. (Pbb Eubotbio Tbmsoeavh— Copybioht. ) (Pbb Pbesb Association.) (Received 7.15 p.m., Feb. 14th.) London, Feb. 13. Mr Gladstone introduced the Home Rule Bill in the House of Commons this afternoon. He stated that the Government still adhered to the cardinal principles laid down in his proposals for the autonomy of Ireland in 1886. They proposed to set up a legislative body in Dublin for Irish affairs only, and this Assembly was not to be allowed to do anything inconsistent with Imperial unity. Equitable liquidation of Imperial charges was provided for. Minorities would have ample protection, and to that end the Irish Parliament would be prohibited from dealing with numerous- Imperial übjects. Security would also be pro-s Tided for religious and personal freedom. The Judges would be irremovable. There were to be two Irish Chambers, both elective. The present police force would be dissolved, and In future the police would be appointed locally. The power of veto would be vested In the Viceroy on the advice of the Irish Ex-

ecutive. The number of Irish members Bitting in the Parliament at We&tminster I would be reduced to eighty, and their voting power would be limited. Ireland would contribute £2,500,000 to the Imperial Exchequer from Customs duties, leaving her a revenue of over £5,500,000. The Legislative Council would consist of 48 members elected for eight years, on a qualification of £2O rateable value, and the Council could not be interfered with by Act of the Irish Parliament. The Assembly would be composed of 103 members, elected for five years by the present constituencies. (Received 7.50 p.m,, Feb. 14th.) The Irish Parliament is prohibited from dealing with matters relating to the Crown, a regency, or viceroyalty, peace, war, defence, treaties and foreign relations, dignities, titles, treason, and everything belonging to external trade, the coinage, or infringing on the security of religion or personal freedom. Sovereign power is delegated to the Viceroy, whose office is to be deprived of party or political character, and is to last six years without religious disability. The Legislative Council, Mr Gladstone contended, would afford the minority a fair chance of expressing their views. Tne constitution of the As-, sembly would be alterable after six years Whenever a deadlock occurred between I the two Houses, after a Bill bad twice ' passed either Chamber, both would ait together and the majority would decide. I Appeals respecting the invalidity of Acts I passed by the Irish Parliament would be initiated by the Viceroy or Secretary of State, and would be heard by the Imperial Privy Council without the assistance of the House of Lords. This clause of the Bill resembled a provision in force respecting the validity of colonial laws. The Judges would be appointed during the next aixyears under the present system. The constabulary would be gradually dissolved, and the Irish authorities would appoint their successors, the police being under local control. Irish members in the Imperial Parliament would be excluded from voting on motions confined to Britain, or taxe B | not revised (sir), ur on the appropriation ’ money otherwise than for Imperial services. Mt 'Gladstone said that be felt that tho whole business was full of thorns and brambles, but the retention of members at- Westminster a secondary question in Irish eyes, ar9 ought not to interfere with autonomfll Ireland must bear her fair share fll Imperial expenditure. If she were allcJgH the excise, stamps, income tax, postejflH Crown lands revenue, her income be £5,600,000, leaving a surplus of million. (Received 1 a.m., Feb. Fe;^^^B Mr Gladstone explained that members in the Imperial would be allowed to vote on confidence in Ministers, The veto would be exercised on the Executive Committee of the Council, subject to instructions Sovereign in respect to any measure. Mr Gladstone forgot to the land question, and when bis was drawn to it said that tlon would be reserved to the Parliament for three years. Sir Edward Clarke retention of Irish members perial Parliament, and absence of protection to Opposition would offer opposition to the measure. .Mr Sextoa claimed that- t uhauld retain the presentmembers at Westminster until tho question was entrusted to the Irish Chambers. He raised objection to the financial scheme, and referred to the unique power which the Irish members of the Imperial Parliament would possess in the future. Mr Balfour moved the adjournment of the debate. (Special io Press Association.) (Received 11.15 a.m., Feb. 14tb.) London, Feb. 13. In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone said that he was tired of votes of censure.