MRS. FAWCETT ON THE IRISH QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2668, 17 August 1889, Page 6 (Supplement)

MRS. FAWCETT ON THE IRISH QUESTION.

Sl'KAKixi! at a meeting of the Cambridge branch of the Women's Liberal Unionist Association, Mrs. Fawci-t, the president-, who has just returned from a visit to Ireland, combated the. argument that the question of Home Rule in Ireland was to !"j settled hy the vote of any local majority—a majority obtained by terroism In the comity of Donegal there were (10,000 loyalists who desired to maintain the Union ; but there was not one single loyalist representative. Whenever she went in Ireland she made it her espescial to enquire how Home iiule was regarded by the commercial classes, and she found they were invariably opposed to it. She was much struck, especially in the disturbed districts of Donegal, with the •excellent terms existing between populace and the police, and with the extremely favourable material condition of the people in Donegal compared with the agricultural poor in England. The Workhouse was practically empty, and the percentage of pauperism was extremely favourable. The rents were extremely low ; there wa3 great competition for tenant-right ; and the cattle were numerous. The people robust-looking 1 , were attired in extremely good clothing, and It id a considerable command of money. The shops had a very thriving appearauc. The only one thing where the contrast between them and the English agricultural poor was unfavourable was in the condition of their houses. After reading extracts from her late husband's speeches to show that he was opposed to Home Utile, Mix. Fawcctt concluded bv remarking that it was a woman's question, because it was not one of party, but simply honour and duty.