The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1892.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3101, 31 May 1892, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1892.

Equal and exact justice Co all men, Ot whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political.

We notice that Sir G. Grey is to be asked, in comformity with a resolution passed by the Auckland Branch of the Irish National Society, to move a resolution in Parliament in favour of the granting of Home Eule to Ireland. It is to be sincerely hoped that he will refuse to do anything of the sort. It is true that some other legislatures of self-governing colonies have pursued the course suggested. They wasted much time in partially debating the question which could have been much more profitably employed in attending to the business which properly appertains to them. To our mind, the Parliaments referred to acted in an undignified manner. It must detract from the dignity of any Parliament to pass an opinion as a Parliament, upon a question which they had not adequately debated and to which it is manifest that they cann»t devote sufficient attention to arrive at a true appreciation of its merits. The question in point is one that has for many' years puzzled, and is still puzzling the best brains of the Empire. Wise men and wise bodies of men, before they take any action calculate what will be its probable effect, and whether the game is worth the candle. It is quite comprehensible that a body constituted on the lines of the Irish National j Association should not lose any opportunity of forwarding, in no matter how small a degree, a cause, ( for the advocacy of which it mainly i exists, and is the bond which binds i its members together. It is, however, for a member of Parliament, , who has been returned to watch over the interests, and assist in 1 doing the business of the country, to seriously consider whether he ' is justified in raising a discussion on ' a question which very remotely ' affects it, and upon which the con- 1 stituencies have not and cannot be j consulted. What an absurd position would a candidate take up who . urged as a reason for his return to j the New Zealand Parliament that lie was in favour of or opposed to | Home Rule in Ireland. This being the case, it follows that Parliament , would exceed its functions by dis- j cussing the question, and its de- ] eision one way or the other would j be entitled to no greater considera- , tion tha i would that emanating from ( a meeting of the same number of ] private individuals as constituted the majority. Aside altogether ; from this, if a vote were taken on j the question there would be danger t that future elections would be in- ■ lluenced and a useful candidate de- t feated on an outside question. This ] would, in addition, work only in one f direction. Only enthusiasts iike 1 the members of the Irish Association c would allow a candidate's opinion

upon the question to influence their votes. The member, therefore, who not understanding the question,— how many do—refrained from voting would lessen his chance of reelection, and in consequence be tempted to vote for the motion. The division would therefore not be an index of the opinion of members as individuals, still less would it necessarily bo that of their constituents. It is the presumption that the two coincide which mainly gives value to tho vote of a representative on an abstract question such as Home Rule. We quite recognise that the settlement of the matter is of great importance as it is a sen jus element of unrest, and has for years been a stumbling blocli in the way of those desirous of promoting legislation for the benefit of the Empire. On the ■

one hand, it is [trailed that tin; grunting of Honii; Ilnlc would mid the troubli;; on the other we are told by responsible statesmen that to grant it would result in confusion worse confounded, if not in civil war. Tho latter party has secured tho second reading of a Bill granting local self-government to Ireland, as is enjoyed by England and Scotland, and they argue that they have gone as far as is possible without risking a state of anarchy. Tho approaching elections will be decided very much on the question as to which party is right; this, notwithstanding that Mr Gladstone has been absolutely silent as to the form of Home Rule he will grant if returned with a majority at his back If our House of Representatives were to pass a resolution either for or against Home Rule, thoy would be dealing with, a question which of necessity they can only very imperfectly understand. The advisableness or otherwise of the measures surely depends upon the precautions proposed to secure the integrity of the Empire and the rights of those who would of necessity be in a minority in any Parliament that might be instituted. The necessity is imposed upon the constituencies to vote in the dark; Mr Gladstone wills that this shall be so. There is no reason, however, why the legislature of the colony should place itself in the same position. It will be time enough surely, if they must interfere, to do so after the proposals of Mr Gladstone are before them. We trust that Sir George will refrain from acceding to the request which has been made to him, and if not that an amendment will be moved to tho effect that as the House is ignorant ot the scope of Mr Gladstone's proposed Bill, it declines to express any opinion upon the question.