IRISH AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1564, 5 April 1887, Page 3

IRISH AFFAIRS.

Loudon, March §O. Commenting on the important speech delivered by Mr Gladstone in the Iltuse of Commons on 'he Crimes Bill, the Timet' declares strongly against the speech, and adds it was unreasonable and foil of determined blindness to the best interests,of the nation. The Morn ing Post refers to the views previously enunciated by Mr Gladstone on Irish affaire, and remarks that ho must be GDrioatfly oblivious of the past. The Daily News warmly eu'ogises the speech, •nd congratulates him on fidelity to the principles prbmu ga'ed last year, which ire necessary ior dealing with Ireland, adding that Mr Gladsione was a true Liberal. The Daily Telegraph, in an incisive criticism, asserts that the speech is utterly faultless. The Standard considers the speech, owing principally to absence of all indication on the part of Mr Gladstone of any modification of extreme views, will have the effect of lengthening the bands of the Governneat. - March 81. The Liberal ’Unionists will give a banquet to Lord Hairticgton. The members - of his party am prepared to extend local goreriraeu' to Ireland, but •re not willing to hand to the local legislature tbe control of criminal law. They contend that the persistent statements that excessive rents are being imposed are mere assertions, and not proved. Tbe police have detained a phial posted, to Mr Balfonr, and subjected it to careful examination. It proved to contain dangerous explosives. An important and numerouslyattended meeting of Liberal Unionists ' yrii held to-day, under tbe Presidency tbs Marquis of Hartingtou. Tbe meeting was most enthusiastic. The Marquis of Hartingtom explained tbe Obyernm*nt coercion measures. Tbe question was one of confidence between the Unionists, and tbe existence of the Government depended on the Bill passing. - He warned those present that unless the Unionists *op ported the Crimes Bill Mr Gladstone ' would pecure the defeat of the Goyernpa«nt and resume the direction of afiair*. The Marquis of flUrijmgio u contended

that it was imperative that this result should be prevented. The meeting unanimously decided to support the second reading, but some of the members reserved to themselves the liberty of moving amendments when the Bill is in Committee. An enthusiastic meeting of Conservatives was also held in connection with the Crimes Bill, and Mr W, H. Smith occupied the chair. The gathering took (dace in the Foreign Office, Mr Smith explained the vital necessity of hastening the passage of a coercion measure, ana the meeting resolved to sacrifice the Raster ho iday to secure the second reading of the Bill. April 1.

In the House of Lordi last night, Earl Oudogan, Lord Privy Seal, it»»rodneed the Irish Land Bill. The Bill admits leaseholders to the benefit of the Act of 1881, and provides for persons who are evicted becoming caretakers of the property. It provides for evictions Iving delayed in cases of tenants becoming insolvent, and exempts landlords from payment of rates in cases where the rents are not paid owing to intimidation,

The Crimes Bill will be pressed to « division to-night, and the second reading will be taken on Monday, April 2.

In the House of Commons to-day consideration of the motion for the first reading of the Irish Crimes Bill was resumed whnn an animated debate took place on Mr Parnell** counter motion—- “ That the House should forthwith go into Committee to consider the state of Ireland.” The discussion continued for some hours,and Mr Smith finally moved, under the cloture rule, “ That the question be now pot.” The motion was adopted by 361 to 253 votes, whereupon Mr Gladstone, with the whole of the Radical section and the Parnellites, left the House in a body, The Bill was then read a first time, without opposition.