SIR E. CLARKE ON IRELAND.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2233, 30 October 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

SIR E. CLARKE ON IRELAND.

The Solicitor-general, Sir Edward Clarke, M. P., speaking at Burton-on-Treut on Tuesday night, poiuted out that the Irish bills had never been withdrawn or disavowed. They wero only in a state of suspended animation, to revive if they received any encouragement. These bills would have been the practical destruction of all Parliamentary Government in this country. Supposing 1 that they wero altered, and the Irish representatives were allowed to sit at Westminster, and also to govern their own country, they would not hesitate to sell themselves to the leader who bid the highest for their merccn.ny support. Alluding to the Conservativve popcy, he said it was the clear and definite policy of leasserting in Irolaud the freedom of tho people from all authority which did not belong to, or which had not tho sanction of, the law. Of all the evils under which Ireland suffered, there was none so terrible as th.it which put t^e industry, prosperity, and life of individuals at tne mercy of authorities who knew no law, and repudiated the instincts of justicp. He cared not whether the freedom of the people had to he assorted against arin^d mobs in Belfast or the misguided followers of "C.iptain Muonliyrht ;" when interference was made with the peaceful habits of tho people it became not a question of policy, but an imperious and immediate duty that the people should be protected. It was in that spirit that tho present { roverment should deal with th.) liish question, Instead of the statesmanship

thfit had endowed sedition, robbel the loyal people, and defied all economic laws in tho vain hope of pacifying those politicians who nourinhed and increased the discontent of tho people because they got their living by such disorder and discontent, the present Government would try the experiment of a firm and resolute maintenance of tho law and individual freedom and protection by nil the force and authority at the command of the Empire.