HOME RULE AND UNCONDITIONAL ALLEGIANCE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 108, 22 May 1875, Page 7

HOME RULE AND UNCONDITIONAL ALLEGIANCE.

MR. GLADSTONE ON HOME RULE. . » Mr. Gladstone, in his new pamphlet, entitled " Vaticanism," has made a declaration on the subject of Home Eule, says the ' Nation/ which will have deep interest for the Irish people. It is in the following terms : — '• As a rule, the real independence of states and nations depends upon the exclusion of foreign influence proper from their civil affairs. Wherever the spirit of freedom, even if ever so faintly, breathes, it resents and reacts against any intrusion of another people or 'power into the circle of its interior concerns, as alike dangerous and disgraceful." Quite true says the • Nation,' and therefore so long as the spirit of freedom is able to draw a single breath, or heave a sigh, in Ireland, it will resent and react against any intrusion of the English people or government into the circle of its interior concerns, as alike dangerous and disgraceful. We thank Mr. Gladstone for the words ; they are very apt and forcible, and they will be useful to the Irish people. UNCONDITIONAL ALLEGIANCE. A ruling has been made in the House of Commons which is likely to canse some commotion, having in view Mr. Gladstone's recent attacks on Catholics about conditional allegiance. Mr. John Martin delivered one of the most remarkable speeches ever heard in the House of Commons on the Mitchell trial and the national struggle between Ireland and England. The House listened throughout with marked respect and attention. Mr Lewis, member for Derry, replied in a rather strong speech, denouncing Mr Martin and Home Euiers for holding " only a conditional allegiance." Mr. Sullivan, member for Louth, sprang to his feet, and called to the Speaker to uphold the precedents of the House; whereby men, who had propounded, even out of doors, the doctrine of unconditional loyalty, Avere by order of that House sent to the Tower. A scene of intense sensation followed, when the Speaker ruled with Mr Sullivan, aud Mr. Lewis was obliged to withdraw the doctrine of " unconditional allegiance." The ruling was hailed with vociferous cheering by the Catholic members, some of whom audibly exclaimed, " Where is Mr. Gladstone now ? "