IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1702, 23 February 1888, Page 4

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

London, Feb. 18., In the House of Commons, Mr Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland, contrasted the treatment to which political prisoners were subjected by Sir George Otto Trevelyan, when he occupied the position of Chief Secretary, with that wbioh they now underg® at the bands of the present Government. Under Sir George Trerclyan’s regime he said polities! prisoners were treated with greater harshness than at present, Mr O’Brien, M.P., during his recent confinement, was healthier than when he was first admitted to Tullamore gaol. His weight had increased by the time he was released. Mr Gladstone attributed the diminution of crime in Ireland to the operation of the Land Act. He held that the plan of campaign had proved triumphant, and that the Land League was increasing in vigor, and was, be contended, entirely free from complicity in crime with which it has b?en charged, Mr, Gladstone concluded his remarks with an eloquent appeal to the Government and Parliament to give Ireland Home Rule, which be confidently believed would result in producing the desire of the age, namely, a truly united Empire. Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said Mr Gladstone’s attitude towards the Government with regard, to Irish affairs had seriously heightened the difficulty of enforcing law iu Ireland, The amendments proposed in the procedure rules provide that the House shall meet at three in the afternoon and adjourn at eight for dinner, and resume again at nine, and finally adjourn at one in the morning, with the exception of Wednesdays, when the House shall adjourn at six o’clock in the evening. The Speaker may refuse a motion to adjourn. The Chairman of Committees may decline to put motions to report progress or to leave the chair, Ibe Speaker may also refuse to order the bell to be rung for divisions demanded for the purpose of wasting time or otherwise obstructing business before the House, The Standing Committees on Bills relating to trade and shipping have been revived.

The debate on Mr Parnell’s amendment to the Address-in-Reply has not revealed any new aspects of the Irish question. Mr Gladstone, in supporting Mr O’Brien, emphasised his sympathy with the Plan of Campaign and the tactics of the Land League. He declared that Messrs Parnell and O’Brien were the representatives of a nation, while the Government were only of a party. Mr Balfour in his speech answered the statements of Mr O’Brien respecting the state of Ireland, and cited strong facts to show the improvement that had taken place in Ireland. Mr Goschen charged Mr Gladstone and the Parnellites with making direct endeavors to thwart the operation of the law. A division was taken on Mr Parnell’s amendment resulting in its rejection by 317 votes to 229.