THE STATE OF IRELAND

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 449, 3 April 1875, Page 3

THE STATE OF IRELAND

The "Times " says it is very difficult to treat'observations such as were made by two out of three Irish members last night as serious contributions to parliamentary debate. As exercises these performances are curious, but it ia difficult for political students outside, to know what is an exercise and what is a reality. . Sir Michael Hicks Beach will submit to the House of Commons next week his view of the state of Iceland and of the present operation of the special statutes for the preservation of the peace now in force there. We shall all await this statement with interest, ]but the Government have practically promised by the statement they have embodied in the Bjweeb from the Throne that some of the exceptional statutesin existence shall be dispensed with so far as they can persuade Parliament to agree with their proposals, and they do this in spite of very strong pressure put opon them to uphold the present code as it stands. The " Times " does^not assume any foreknowledge of the Ministerial policy, but it is evident that it is not deficient in independence of judgment, and that it animated by an honest desire to see the ordinary guarantee of individual fref dom in full activity in Ireland. It is, therefore, much to be regretted that the spirit of ungracious criticism manifested last night should no? have been restrained for tlje brief interval of ten days, until the Irish Secretary had officially declared the intentions of the Government.