MR BALFOUR'S BILL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3059, 23 February 1892, Page 2

MR BALFOUR'S BILL

(by electric telegraph—copyright). London, February 19. Under Mr Balfour's Local Government Bill fcr Ireland illiterate persons are excluded from exercising the franchise but as a safeguard the cumulative vote is preserved. The debate on the first reading of the measure was carried on with great virulence, and the speakers were frequently interrupted by jeers. Sir W. V. .Haruourt, Mr Redmond, and Mr Justin McCarthy asserted that the Bill was an insult to Ireland. Mr Chamberlain spoke in favour of the measure. Mr Balfour replied that the conduct of the Opposition indicated insincerity in their desire to extend local government. The Tories generally approve of the Bill, but the Liberal Unionists show little enthusiasm.

The Times considers the Bill makes j a vast concession, and declares that the shout of execration raised by all sections of the Opposition was prearranged. The Standard remarks that no harm will result to Ireland if the Bill does not pass. The Daily Chronicle considers the Bill as likely to bring about a defeat of the Government. The Daily News characterises it as a bad measure, and thinks its chances of passing are hopeless. 'Other English journals give the Bill stiuted praise. The Irish papers are divided on the question, but the Independent, the Freeman's Journal, aud the National Press totally condemn tha Bill. February 20. The Pall Mall Gazette considers that the the opposition displayed towards Mr Balfour's Bill will assist at the re-union of the Irish party. Mr Balfour's Local Government Bill for Irdland has beeu coldy received by the country and press. It is considered to be chiefly in the discharge of a pledge, and will increase the prospects of an early dissolution of Parliament. February 21. Mr Balfour is prepared to modify to a large extent his Irish Local Government Bill.