THE ELECTIONS AT HOME.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 42, 14 February 1874, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS AT HOME.

Pabljajient in the Home Country has been dissolved, ani the elections for a new one are progressing. The latest news by telegram informs us that several severe contests had already taken place, and that in many constituenciesConservative representatives had replaced Liberals. This had been anticipated, and it is not at all improbable that in Great Britain the Conservative party may have a majority ; orat least, that parties may be evenly balanced. Under such circumstances political confusion seems inevitable, unless indeed one of the parties consent to grant Home Kule to Ireland. For otherwise the Irish vote cannot be depended upon by either. In Ireland the overwhelming majority of the Representatives will be pledged to liberal principles, and onehalt at least of the new. members will be Home Ruler*, pledged to oppose every Ministry unfavourable to a Parliament in College Green. Again, almost all Irish representatives will be opposed to Becular and godless education- • The fanaticism of English Liberals on this subject has al. ready alienated Ireland,, so much so, indeed, that only a* little skilful management and a little prude at cx>uccswia:^

-and conciliation are required to win the unanimous Irish Tote for the Conservative party. As things are at present, neither party in ,the '.British House of Commons can con r .tinue to hold office .without the aid of the Irish vote. On what conditions will this aid be given? This is the all-important question, and time ...only can solve it. The present probabilities are .that a^Ministry opposed to Home Jbiule and Denominational Education can exist only on sufferance of adversaries who hate justice to Ireland more than political opponents. Mr Gladstone's position is an' unfortunate one. The majority that enabled him to carry those great measures that have made his name historial, was made up of English liaiicals and Irish Liberals. But between these, there are at present misunderstandings of a serious character. The English .Radicals are advocates of secular and mixed education, and of the legislative uuity of the three Kingdoms The Irish Liberals are advocates of denominational education, aud of Home Rule. A Liberal Ministry is an impossibility in England, unless one of these parties give way to the other, or at least consent to keep its m ila pr nciplesin abeyance for a time. Mr Gladstone's prospects,, iLen, arc not bright. But is there any likelihood that for the sake of keeping Mr Gladstone in power either of these parties will put their principles in abeyance ? We have no idea of what the Radicals may be disposed to do, but the Irish Liberal members will not make any compromise as to Home Eule avA denominational .education. The determination of the people to have Home Eule in some shape, and the fidelity of the nation to religious principle, warrant us in making this statement. The new Parliament will meet in March, an d^ until then nothing can be known for certain either as to the measures likely to be brought forward by whatever party may be in power, or as to the temper of parties, or sections of parties, in the House of Commons. All that can be seeu for certain now is, that as to the future of the new Parliament, there is a great deal of uncertainty.