RELEASE OF IRISH PRISONERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 947, 6 May 1882, Page 2

RELEASE OF IRISH PRISONERS.

(By Cable.)

London, May 2

In the House of Lords today, at the opening of the sitting, Earl Granville announced that Mr W. E. Forster had resigned his position in the Cabinet as Chief Secretary for Ireland, The noble Earl proceeded to state that the Government did not intend to initiate any new Irish policy, but added that the Irish Members of Parliament wbo were now in custody in Ireland would be released forthwith, while the question of the release of other “suspects ” would be considered without delay. Lord Granville concluded by stating that the Government did not intend to continue coercive measures for the suppression of disorder in Ireland in their present form.

Later,

On the House of Commons assembling this afternoon the Premier made a similar statement to that made by Earl Granville in the House of Lords regarding the retirement of the Irish Secretary. Mr Gladstone, however, further announced that Mr Forster had resigned because he declined to be answerable for the release of the Irish political “ suspects.” Mr Gladstone added that the Government intended shortly to propose fresh measures for the protection of life and property in Ireland.

May 3.

Messrs Parnell, Dillon and O’Kelly, Members of Parliament for Cork, Tipperary and Roscommon respectively, were released from custody this morning. It is currently reported in London that Mr Joseph Chamberlain, President of the Board of Trade, has been offered, but declined, the Chief Secretaryship for Ireland, and that the position has since been accepted by Mr G. J. ShawSelfton, First Commission of Works and Buildings. The report requires confirmation.

Many leading Irish journals are demanding that Michael Davitt, who was rearrested some time back, and is now confined in Portland priaon, should be released forthwith.

May 4. The Times in leading article this morning on the release of the Irish Members —Messrs Parnell, Dillon and O’Kelly—expresses a doubt as to the success of the policy which ha» bcen decided upon by the Government, and which the Tim:s is in opinion leaves Mr Parnell practically master of

the situation. The Conservatives generally consider the release of the political “ suspects ” a great victory for the Radical section in the House of Commons, and deplore the new -departure taken by the Ministry as intimated by Earl Granville and Mr Gladstone in their'recent speeches. In Ireland the release' of Messrs Parnell, Dillon and O’Kelly has been celebrated with rejoicing throughout the country.