THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2590, 5 December 1893, Page 3

THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

The following circular is being issued by the British National Liberal Federation to the federated associations :

“National Liberal Federation,42 Parliament street, London, S.W., September, 1893.” “ Dear Sir, The rejection of the Home Rule Bill by the House of Lords not only marks another stage in the history of the Irish question, but has bearings so important on our system of Parliamentary Government as to call for very careful consideration by the federated Liberal associations. For seven years the Home Rule question has been subjected to a discussion in the constituencies, more full, more thorough, and more sustained than was ever before given to a political proposal. In July of last year Mr Gladstone came into power with a clear mandate to deal with the subject, and, after a discusssion in the Commons of unprecedented length, the Bill passed its third reading, being accepted by the popularly-elected Chamber as a moderate, comprehensive, aud statesmanlike measure, demanded alike in the best interests of Great Britain and Ireland. The House of Lords, loud in their protestations that the measure had not been adequately discussed, gave four days to the Bill, aud rejected it by a majority of ten to one. Seven years of discussion in the country, 82 days of consideration in the House of Commons, the definitely ascertained wishes of over 2,000,000 electors—are all to count for nothing when opposed to the views of some 400 Conservative Peers, representing themselves alone, and, for the most part, assembled together merely by virtue of their being sons of their fathers, Little more than a year ago the Coercion Ministry appealed to the country, and were decisively ejected from office. Yet Lord Salisbury and his colleagues today over-ride the verdict which was pronounced against them at the poll, and arrogate to themselves a paramount authority in the State. “ The play of various portions of our constitution,” which Lord Salisbury threatened, has been set in motion, aud the permanent Tory majority in the House of Lords is now pitted against the popularly-elected majority in the House of Commons. Speaking to the members of the Federation on the occasion of the great Newcastle meetings two years ago, Mr Gladstone said that if Lord Salisbury’s threats should be carried out, they (the Lords) will raise up a question which will take the precedence of every other question, because upon that question will depend whether this country was or was not a self-governing country, or whether, on the contrary, there was a power put between the throne and the people, that would stop altogether the action of a constitutional machine. That issue has been raised, aud the question of “ mending or ending the House of Lords,” which has a subordinate place in the Newcastle programme, may, before long, as Mr Gladstone then forecast, displace for a while all other subjects of reform, aud cry aloud for vigorous aud unflinching treatment. If the House of Lords be faithful to its traditions and practice, it will capitulate. If not, we, of the Liberal party will enter on a fight of which we shall not be afraid.

For the present we entirely reject the pretension of the Peers to the right to force a dissolution, and we look with confidence to the Government to go forward with those reforms for which the country waits. The ingrained dislike of the Upper House to all progression has been exhibited this year even before the rejection of the Home Rule Bill. How far they will venture to further flout the popular will remains to be seen.

To all true Liberals, the political situation is full of encouragement. Home Rule has passed the House of Commons, and, though rejected by the Lords, is doubly certain to become law. Jhe M’ l '. istry is strong, its i u parUament are loyal- tile programme is sound. Our opponents have played their last stake, and, if we proceed with courage and determination, not only will the Irish question be settled, but a real era of rewill be entered upon for the democracy of the United Kingdom. We are, yours faithfully. Robt. Spence Watson, President. W. H. Hart, Treasurer,

F. ScnNADHORST, Chairman of Committee, Rout. A, Hudson, Secretary.