IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2479, 21 March 1893, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, March 16. The House of Commons, by a majority of 34, passed the second reading of the Welsh Local Option Bill, permitting the reduction of existing licenses and the refusal of new ones.

The Tyrone Orangemen have resolved to arm themselves under the leadership of Lord Cabdon.

The Liberals are indignant at the second reading of the Home Rule Bill being delayed. Mr Gladstone, writing to Mr McCarthy, said that he did not wish the debate to be interrupted by the Easter recess, and he found that it would be impossible to close it before Easter. The Irish Presbyterian Assembly protest against, Home Rule, on the ground that it would lead to the Roman Catholic Church being endowed, and would give no protection to the minority The Ulster Defence Union have issued a mauifosto signed by the Duke of A barcorn, th« Marquis of Londoneery, the Earl of Erne and others, convening an assembly of GO elected delegates in Belfast who may bo authorised to declare a policy and direct the action of the Ulstsr unionists.

Tho Daily Telegraph asserts that it is intended to marshal! 100,000 unionists, supported by £1,000,000 of money. Mr Weddorburn, the Liberal candidate, defeated Mr Grant, Conservative, for Banffshire, by a majority of 771. The seat wai- i endured vacant by the appointment of the .sitting member, the Hon. R. DulT, as Governor of New South Waks. March 18.

Mr Campbe'l Bannerman, Secretary for War, replying to a qustion in the House of Commons, said that the Army and Admiralty officials were still opposed to the Channel Tunnel. Mr Gladstone states that he will be unable 1o introduce the Payment of Members' Bill this session, although he will support the measure if brought in by a private momber. Lord Onslow has withdrawn his Bill to compel the branding of frozen mutton, on a promise that a Select Committee shall be appointed to enquire into the whole matter.

The Daily News states that tho Scotch Suspensory (Ecclesiastical) Biil will probably be dropped.

Colonel Saunderson has received the sum of £SO, made up by shilling subscriptions from Unionist working men in England, in recognition of his opposition to Home Rule.

The enrolment of Uninistsin fhe norlh of Ireland is proceeding with activity, though as yet nothing distinctly military has been done.

The publicans intend to close for one day, and hold a mass meeting in Hyde Park in order to denounce the Liberals for supporting the Veto Bill.

Mr Gladstone is now convalescent. Lord Salisbury's influenza has taken a mild form and he passed a better night. His medical advisers report that his case lequires the utmost care.