The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1883.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4385, 23 January 1883, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 1883.

In a speech delivered in Manchester a few evenings ago, Lord Harrington is reported to have stated' that, although the present Government would never con-; sent to the legislative independence of Ireland, they were prepared to grant her a greater - measure of self-government than she. has. This announcement, it is needless to remark, rather astonished, some people, and" will doubtless cause many of the English newspapers to adversely criticise the action of the Government in the matter. The move made is undeniably a step in the right direction, and even by a majority of the agitators in Ireland, whose behtviour has so harassed the Ministry in its administration, the news will be received with gratification. While not for one moment attempting to defend or tolerate recent occurrences in Ireland, we must recognise the fact that some of this concession is the outcome of steps taken by certain Irish.members and their friends, to keep the requirements of that unfortunate country before those who could grant them, and in perseveringly urging a redressal of the many wrongs suffered by her and her people. That any of the rights, accorded to that part of Great Britain, have been granted —in most cases very reluctantly—has, it cannot be doubted,' been the result of such efforts. While not being prepared (o eater into the important question of giving Ireland whole and sole gorernmeutal control over itself, subject of course to the power of the throne; we desire to state that it must be conceded that the provincial government of the country should be in the hands of its people. County govern-

went, the management of local boJies, the administration of its own affairs as far as domestic legislation is concerned, should »1l be ::iven tv the populace. The making o't h; ii^\ct\ law.- jiv -J fvjt ru-entrusted to \\\? t'.-.-'u't-iiui *;' 's«ti] >■ v,vi s-; >-!ikl th -t w-siJomj

smtilier matters of U-wVerumeufc, which they could be allowed to undertake. The tbiu edge of the wedge thsa inserted should encourage those whose interests lie in, and whose sympathies are with the welfare of the. Irish people generally, and cause them to show that by a wise,use of ■lbr~.paHLt.rß «iven to tlteai they may be sufrty given huhHr ones..