IRISH AFFAIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1850, 7 February 1889, Page 1

IRISH AFFAIRS.

London, February 3 . Mr Dillon, M,P,, has postponed his departure for the colonies, and returns at once to Ireland, He denounces the system of torture that has been applied to Mr William O’Brien. The Freeman’s Journal declares that Secretary Balfour insulted the hearer of Mr Seaton’s letter protesting against the treatment of Mr Wil iam O’Brien, It is believed that Mr Fisher, private secretary to Mr Balfour, is the offender, February 4, Mr Balfour, Secretary for Ireland, speaking at Dublin, claimed that there had been a great decrease in the number of outrages and in cases of boycotting in Ireland, He hoped shortly to be able to proceed with a scheme for tho extension of drainage and give assistance in extending railways and also to develop the fisheries. He said that Mr O’Brien must himself be held answerable if he is determined to injure his health, Father MoFadden was arrested at Gweedore after celebrating mass. Tho congregation resisted, and in the struggle with the police which followed Inspector Martin was killed. Mr Samuel Phmsoll is organising a national protest against the policy of coercion, Mr Seaton, M.P,, returned the cards of invitation to an official levae sent from Dublin Castle. Immense meetings are being held in Dublin and elsewhere to protest against i tho treatment of Mr O’Brien, Mr J, R. Cox, member for East Clare, has been sentenced to four months’ imprisonment on a charge of inciting. Mr Dennis Killbridge, number for Kerry, has been arrested at Leicester for advocating boycotting. February 5. The Roman Catholic bierachy in IreSand are protesting against the inhuman indignities to which tbay assert that Mr William O’Brien is being subjected by the prison authorities. Mr Dillon has abandoned his visit I > Australia in consequence of ih» ir * .'mem to which his colleague. .Mr O’Dricu. lias been subjected.