AFFAIRS IN IRELAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 322, 27 November 1880, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN IRELAND.

London, Nov. 8. '•' Mr. Gladstone delivered an important address on the political situation at the Lord Mayor's banquet in the Guildhall last evening, in response to the toast of Her Majesty's Ministers. Dealing with the condition of affairs in Ireland, he stated that the circomstances of that country were such as to cause the most serious anxiety to the Government. He attributed the .agitation that had arisen to the undeniable evils of the existing land system, and expressed his conviction that the Irish land laws required amendment in the direction of giving greater security of tenure to the tenants. He viewed with >?reat regret the grave excesses into which some of the people had been led, and stated that the Government were determined to uphold order and preserve the peace, and that thep would not shrink from coercive measures if neoessary to secure this end. He indicated that the Government had under consideration measures which would remedy the grievances of which Ireland complained, and that they would be submitted to Parliament during the coming season. I ■ Nov. 11.

The authorities in Ireland fear that serious collisions will occur at Bnllinrobe, County Mayo, between the sympathisers with the evicted tenantry and the Orange expedit : on which is ooming to assist some of the threatened persons. The troops in the distriot have been strongly reinforced, and there are now 1000 soldiers encamped at the place. Earl Kenmare, a prominent Irish lloblenian, who has extensive estates in the County Kerry, has received threaten ing letters, in which his life is declared to be in danger. Nov. 12.

The expedition of Orangemeu from Ulster, despatched to assist the threatened land owners in Mayo, has arrived at Lough Mask, and encamped there. Precautions are being taken against any sudden attack. The Orangemen have so far been unmolested, but large numbers of the peasantry have assembled in the vicinity. The military are on the alerts to prevent any collision.

4 national manifesto has been issued by the Irish Land League calling upon the people to be firm iu their passive resistance to the tyranny of the landlords bat to refrain from overt act* of agression, which would enable the British Government, by a display of military power, to crush the national movement. The command given in the manifesto is —" Lot the British display their despotism unheeded." Au application has bsen made to the Court of Queen's Bench on be'.alf of Mr. Pameil and others against whom proceedings have been instituted for conspiracy and sedition, to require the Crown to specify the exact nature of the charges brought against tlu'tn.. The judges after hearing arguments, granted the applications, and have made j>u order accordingly. Nov. 15.

The state of affairs in the west of Ireland still causes grave anxiety. The interference t of the Orangemen, who seek to protect the landlords, and the coercion brought to bear by the authorities, have engendered the bitterest feelings amongst the peasantry. The land leagurs have issued a manifesto and threaten reprisal in the event of any of their members being harrassed or evicted from thftir holdings.