IRISH AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1568, 22 March 1887, Page 1

IRISH AFFAIRS.

London, March 17, At a Liberal banquet last night, Mr Gladstone made a speech in whieh be stated that be was anxious th»t a reasonable understanding should be arrived at between the Unionists and bis followers. He said he wou'd adhere to the main part of his proposals for the settlement of the Irish question, and hoped an agreement possible regarding the necessary modificaiim and improvements in the laws of Ireland, especially in connection with land; but he deprecated any haste in regard to Horae Rule, as the nation would gradually come round to his views on the question. March 19. Father Keller, parish priest at Yooghal, County Cork, has been arrested for refusing to appear at Dublin as a witness in a case against a defaulting tenant. In his speech at a dinner at the Liberal Club, Mr Gladstone dealt especially with the division of the Liberal party on the Irish question. He said that in the unsettled elate of affairs any important legislation in the interests of Ireland was impossible. The demand for local government was quite reasonable. The Bolicitor-Qen r-. , speaking at another meeting, said that the proposals of tbe Government were adequate to meet tbe necessities of Ireland. March 20. Father Keller, the pari-h priest off Yonghal, who was arr-sled for refusing to appear as a witn-s in the case of a defaulting tenant, was yesterday brought to Dublin. At all the towns and villages en route be received ovations from tbe populace. On being brought before the Court in Dublin he refused to answer questions, and was committed to prison for contempt of Court. Large crowds escorted him to priaon. In the House of Commons last night the Irish members inveighed against ibe arrest of Father Keller, and accused the Government of wilful exasperation of the Irish people in order to justify coercion in Ireland. Mr Arthur Balfour, the new Irish Secretary, vehemently repelled the accusation. He declared that the agitation ol the plan of campaign adopted by the National party was answerable for the present disorder in Ireland,