IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2464, 14 February 1893, Page 4

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, Feb. 10

Tho amendment moved by Mr Redmond demanding the release of all persons convicted under tho Treason and felony Act was rejected by i>o7 to 81. Mr Asquith, Home Secretary, referring to the amendment said that the dynamiters were guilty of the most heinous crimes, and that they had never received from him any different treatment to that meted out to other criminals.

Tho Ulster Protestants are appealing for funds, stating it as their conviction that a fresh election may take place at any moment.

Mi- John Redmond wrote to the Irish in tho United States expressing the opinion that there was no chance of the Home Rule Bill passing in the present House.

Twenty-five Loudon members of tho House of Commons are urging the opening of the museums and art galleries on Sundays. Mr A. Acland, vice-president of the committee of the Council on Education, is enqiring into the matter. The Pope has written to Mr Gladstone asking him to restore diplomatic relations.

The Walsall election resulted in the return of Sir Arthur liayter, the Liberal candidate, who polled 5232, as against 515 G received by his opponent, Mr C. S. Ritchie, who stood in Tory interest. Mr John McCarthy, M.P. for MidTipperary, is dead. Seven thousand applications have been received for 110 seats in the strangers' gallery of the House of Commons, by persons desirous of hearing Mr Gladstone's speecli on Home Rule.

Feb. 11

In moving his amendment to the Address-in-Reply, Mr Redmond demanded the release of fourteen prisoners who were convicted in connection with the dynamite outrages in Ireland, on the ground that they were political offenders whose guilt was doubtful, and even if guilty, had been sufficiently punished. Mr Asquith, Home Secretary, in reply, stated that terrible aud reckless methods were adopted by dynamiters, which placed them without the pale of political prisoners, and the Government must at all risks refuse indulgence to such criminals. Mr Balfour, late Chief Secretary for Ireland, highly commended the courage of the Government. Mr Pritchard Morgan withdrew his amendment to the Address-in-Reply, urgii.g the necessity of the appointment of a Minister of Mines, on receiving an assurance from Sir Vernon Harcourt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the Government would consider the suggestion.

The reply of the Home Secretary to the demand of Mr Redmond for the release of prisoners sentenced in Ireland under the Treason and Felony Act bitterly exasperated the Parnellite party in the House of Commons.

The amendment regretting the release of those sentenced in connection with the murder of Inspector Martin at Gweedore was discussed, and negatived without a division.

Mr Arnold Forbes'amendment to the Address, relative to clerical intimidations, was rejected by a majority of 43. There was a great scene in the House to-day when Mr Gladstone resented the jesting suggestion of Mr A. J. Balfour that the age under the franchise should be increased. Subsequently Mr Balfour apologised. The Halifax election resulted in the return of Mr Shaw Lister by a majority of 368 over Mr Arnold, Conservative, and 1589 over the Labour candidate.