IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2650, 24 April 1894, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London - , April 20,

lu the House of Lords Lord Jersey claimed that the owners and crew of the Costa Rica Packet should receive compensation, and that an apology should be tendered to Croat Britain for the insult to her flag. Lord Kimberley admitted that Captain Carpenter had been unjustly treated, and said that it was a case of great hardship. The British Minister at the Hague would strongly impress upon the Dutch Government the neressity for compensating Captain Carpenter, and he hardly believed these representations would be unsuccessful.

Lord Jersey said that friendly intercourse with foreign Governments would be impossible if the example set by Holland in the Costa Rica Packet case was followed. The Colonial Officers Leave of Absence Bill does not apply to the self-governing colonies, except in regard to the repeal of the obsolete Act of 1814, relating to the residence of colonial officers.

In his speech at the Primrose League, Lord Salisbury said that he would not oppose judicious reform of the House of Lords. If that chamber were made elective it would be able to insist on equity regarding the executive and finance, and the House of Commons would lose its supremacy.

Under the Evicted Tenants’ Bill Mr Morley proposes that the Irish tenants evicted since 1879 (if the farm on which they resided is still in the landlord’s hands), should appeal to three Government arbitrators, who may, if they think fit reinstate them on the land. The arbitrators will fix the amouut of rent, the landlords to receive two years’ arrears, the tenant paying half the amouut and the State half out of tho £IOO,OOO to be taken from the Irish Church fund. The landlords will be able to insist on their tenants purchasing the holdings at a price to be fixed by the arbitrators. Where landgrabbers occupy farms they will not be expropriated unless willing, when they will be paid compensation, half by the tenants and half by the State. The Dillon and Sexton parties welcome the Bill; the Parnellities oppose it; and the Unionists are reserved in their attitude. April 21. In the House of Commons Captain G. W. Norton, member for Wost Newington, moved and Mr Labouchere seconded a motion to abolish the annuity to the Duke of C oburg. The Radicals support _>d the motion, which was rejected by a majority of 230 votes.