EARL ABERDEEN IN MELBOURNE.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 200, 23 April 1887, Page 1

EARL ABERDEEN IN MELBOURNE.

«<- The Earl and Countess of Aberdeen, the Viceroy of Ireland under Mr Gladstone's administration, arc at present on a visit to Melbourne, and they have been presented with a complimen tary address by the Irish residents. Amongst the deputation who presented the address were Sir Biyan O'Loghlen, Bart. , Messrs N. Fitzgerald, M.L.C., and J. G. Duffy, M.L.A. On the arrival of the visitors three cheers were given for them, for the Mayor of Melbourne, and for Mr Gladstone. Mr J. G. Duffy, M.L.A., expressed cordial satisfaction on meeting the Earl under the shadow of a constitution similar to that which was desired for Ireland, where the Iii y h were not the least prosperous of loyal citizens. In the absence of Mr Gladstone, their great political chief, for whose welfare and health unceasing prayers went up to Heaven, it was most gratifying to be able to tell his lordship that, in building up this noble country and framing its laws, Irishmen had done their part. Fiom this Lord Salisbury and Mr Gladstone could each draw his own inferences. Since the day when Lord Fit/.william had been recalled no Viceroy of Ireland had won the hearts of the people as Earl Aberdeen had done — (cheers) — and although he had ceased to rule over that kingdom lie had not ceased to hold a place in the hearts of her sons. The Earl of Aberdeen in replying said : The treatment they received from Irishmen wherever they went in Australia, wa* one of the most encouraging evidences of appreciation of their joint endeavours to discharge rightly tlie duties devolving upon them whilst in Ireland. The Irish were not wanting in shrewdness and penetration, and could well distinguish those rulers who were actuated by an honest desire to promote the welfare of their country. (Cheers. ) When the accounts of such manifestations of sympathy with home affairs as these welcome meetings testified, reached Ireland, he could not help thinking that the hearts of the people resident in the old Isle of Erin would be touched to find that business cares or the advantages of their position did not crush out of the Irishmen here deep and earnest affection for the land of their birth. The concluding paragraph of the address contained expressions which commended themselves to his appreciation. They embodied the principle of Home Rule, with loyalty to the Crown and the maintenance of the integrity of the Empire. (Cheers). At a recent enthusiastic meeting of Irishmen in Glasgow, which he attended, similar feelings were manifested. A considerable amount of misconception existed in many quarters as to what was desired by Home Rule for Ireland, but he could not help laying stress upon the absolute consistency and compatibility of loyalty with Home Rule, and in doing so would refer to the fact that the anticipation of its being granted last spring was sufficient to create a remarkable change in the outward aspect of the position occupied by the Nationalist party. (Applause. ) By the advocation of such a principle as this, apart from declamatory vehemence, it might be hoped that much of the prejudice which still existed with regard to" Mr Gladstone's policy could be removed. From the fact that in a self governing community like Victoria, Irishmen were found to be good citizens and loyal, he thought English statesmen could derive useful deductions, and he believed the establishment of Home Rule would have the beneficial results which, had been prognosticated in the address.