IRISH AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2471, 12 May 1888, Page 2

IRISH AFFAIRS.

ME GLADSTONE AND THE NON-CON FORMATS. (Br Elkctkic Tklkghaph.—Copyright.] London, May !). Mb Gladstoxk, replying to an address of sympathy presented to him by 3,700 Non-conformist Ministers, said he had received a silk badge from Australia, 011 which were inscribed the words, " Remember Mitchelstown,'' and which were worn by thousands ill tint country. He said further he was not prepared personally to vindicate the operations of the Plan of Campaign, but iu his opinion the Government were the real authors of the organisation. May 10. The National League are much annoyed at Mr ParneH's recent disavowal of the Plan of Campaign. Later. The Nonconformist clergymen have forwarded an address to Mr Gladstone, in which they express sympathy with him, and confidence in the policy he was following. They condemn the policy of the Government in treating political offenders as felons, and express the hope that the legitimate national aspirations of the Irish people will be achieved. Mr Gladstone thanked them for their kind sympathy, and said the members of the Opposition hadgivfcn the Government every assistance in expediting the business of the session. The affairs in Irelaud were matters of great amount, and demanded a settlement, and lie was prepared at the right time to take action in insisting that they should receive attention. He hoped that popular opinion would soon demand a charge in the administration of Ireland.