THE TIMES AND PARNELL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2501, 21 July 1888, Page 2

THE TIMES AND PARNELL.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) London, July 12. Tub Hon. W. H. Smith has offered to nominate a commission, mainly composed of judges, to hear the charges of the Times against Mr Pavuell. Mr Parnell, in speaking on the first reading of the Bill providing for the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the charges against him, said it was monstrous to expect him to accept the measure until it had been explained. He absolutely declined to make a bargain beforehand. Mr Smith replied that the Government were still convinced that the proper tribunal to hear the charges was a Court of Justice, but the House would be afforded an opportunity of fully discussing the Bill, the second reading of which would be set down for Monday. July 14. Mr W. H. Smith proposes that the commission to inquire into the Times charges against Mr Parnell shall possess power to compel the disclosure of facts, the production of any necessary documents, and also to grant certificates protecting witnesses. Counsel will be allowed to appear. The Times approves of the appointment of a special committee to inquire into the charges it made against Parnell. PARNELL TO REPROSECUTED. London, July 17. It is rumoured that in consequence of the disclosures of the Times libel action, the Government intend to initiate a State criminal prosecution against Mr Parnell on a charge of being accessory to the Phoenix Park murders. The Pall Mall Gazette has interviewed Mr Parnell, who stated that next to the Home Rule scheme he favoured the principal of federation on the lines of the German federation as a solution for the Irish difficulties. The announcement is looked upon as most signiticent since the enunciation of Mr Gladstone's Irish policy. London, July 19. Mr Gladstone, speaking in the House of Commons, said it was cruelty to refuse Mr Parnell a Select > Committee. The enquiry ought to ! be limited to definite issues. He considered Mr Parnell's approval of tho retention of Irish representatives in Parliament ought to remove the distrust now expressed at the Hoine Rule scheme. The Times alleges that the celel brated letters produced in the late trial were merely secondary evidence. The members of the Unionist party express surprise at Parnell accepting a commission of judges to i hear the charges against him.