MR. GLADSTONE'S SPEECH.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2182, 3 July 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

MR. GLADSTONE'S SPEECH.

The following is the conclusion of the PrilnS -Minister's speech in moving the second reading'of the Home Rule Bill :— 1" At least w,e; have come to a time when therbrjs one thing we ought to know,' an:l that 'is, our own minds. (Ironical cheers from the Opposition.) We ousjht to know and we ought to tell our mind". There is another thing which I hold to I c essential— we ought not to take thus groat Irish question and cast the late of Irelaud into the lottery of politics. (Cheers and counter-cheers,) I think it is obvious that lam not open to the reproach oi casting the fate of Ireland into tho lottery of politics, because what you tell me is that I am steering Ireland to utter destruction and certain ruin. (Ironical cheers.) If we are proposing to drive Ireland down the cataract, point out to Us the way of escape. Is it really to be supposed that the last declaration of my uoule friend, which was the kcupiug alive of two or three clauses of the Crimea Act, which we intended to keep in existence had we remained in office last .year— is that really the policy for Ireland ? To that no assent, no approval has been given from the important party opposite. Sir, Parlia ment is entitled to know at this time of day the alternatives that are open to its j choice.. (" $0,.n0. JI ) You say that we offer 'the alternative oft, rum.' At any rate, in our vieW, it is of a very' different character. (But) even in' your view, it is a definite proposal which is oitr, justification on its behalf, and is the only contribution which we can make to the solution of the question. Parliament is entitled) to have i before it the alternatives proposed —the 'alternatives of policy, not of plan,; proposed toy those who are taking steps which may in certain contingencies with high) probability bring into ( their hand the supreme direction of affairs. (Opposition cheers. ) The Tory party have announced their policy. Repression— the 26th of January. There is a policy I understand. Here I know with whom and 1 whatlhavetodeal. Butas regards my noble ffiend, I must say that* I am totally ignorant with whom and what I am dealing, so far at policy is concerned. I hope that the notikse he has given for tonight has been given with the intention ,o ; .tracing out for us a palpable and' .v sible road in the darkness, and that he m ill tell us on what principle it is that he proposes to make provision for the government of Ireland. Let ua know these alternatives. The more they are examined the better I helieve it will be for us all. It will become reasonably clear—l won't say to demonstration — J that we have before us a great opportunity of puttiug an end to the controversy of 700 years— aye and by kuiti ting together by bonds firmer and higher in their character than those which heretofore we have mainly used the hearts ; and affections of this people and the noble fabric of the British Empire. (Loud cheers.)