The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1887-07-23 00:00:00

THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.
IMPORTANT MEETING.

A meeting of the Conservative members of both
Houses of Parliament was held at two o'clock on
Tuesday afternoon at the Carlton Club, in London,
Lord Salisbury presiding, for the purpose of discuss-
ing the present state of business in the House of
Commons, and of deciding upon the best means of
winding up the work of the Session. There was a
laege attendance of all sections of the party, besides
a number of Unionist Liberals, including Mr. Goschen.
The Central News says: Lord Salisbury opened the
proceedings with an important statement respecting
the actual political situation. He said, before enter-
ing on the principal question which had brought
them together, he wished to say that the Government
might have to ask shortly for increased powers in
order to bring the session to a close. With regard to
the Land Bill, the Government was prepared to give
way on smaller points, among which he included the
baokruptcy clauses. But there was another point—
the most important point—affecting the principles of
the bill, and that was the matter of judicial rents.
He had carefully studied a remarkable speech on the
subject of judicial rents recently made by Mr. T.
W. Russell. He had since been informed that a
number of Liberal Unionists agreed with the prin-
ciples enunciated by Mr. Russell. Now, there
were many things that were opposed to Conserva-
tive principles, and the proposal to interfere with
judicial rents was one of them. But they must
all remember that the Conservatives were bound to
study the position which they now occupied. The
Conservatives were not in a majority in the House.
If the Liberal Unionists deserted them a general elec-
tion would ensue. He did not mean to threaten them
with a dissolu ion, but there would really be no alter-
native if they lost the Liberal Unionist vote, because
Mr. Gladstone would demand an appeal to the con-
stituencies before consenting to accept office. Mr.
Gladstone would not consider the difficulties
of the situation, or the greater question
affecting the country. He (Lord Salisbury),
therefore, proposed, under the circumstances, to
interfere to a moderate and temporary extent
with judicial rents in Ireland by giving the
Commissioners power to make a reduction of from 15
to 20 per cent., according to the circumstances of the
case. He was, however, bound to say that he did not
approve of this, or of the interference with solemn
contracts. It was against Conservative principles,
but they were in a bog, thanks to the Land Act of
1881, and they were bound to get out of it. In con-
clusion, Lord Salisbury again warned the meeting
against the serious consequences of defeat in Parlia-
ment, and urged upon them the necessity of studying
the wishes of the Liberal Unionists.
Colonel Saunderson followed, and expressed entire
disapproval of the Premier's suggestions. He was
confident also that the landlords of Ireland disap-
proved of his lordship's.statement that judicial rents
were to be interfered with. Lord Salisbury was being
guided by Mr. T. W. Russell. Against that he
(Colonel Saunderson) strongly protested. The fact
was that the Conservative party we paying too high
a price for Liberal Unionist support. (Hear, hear.)
The Liberal Unionists were bound to support the pre-
sent Government, and they did not dare to go to the
country on their own account. (Cheers.)
Lord Kilmorey supported the statements and views
of Colonel Saunderson. He protested against the
proposed interference with judicial rents. The Land
Bill had been considered in the House of Lords most
carefully line by line. It was a most liberal measure.
He thought, with Colonel Saunderson, that it would
bo most unwise to bid too high a price for the Liberal
Unionitt vote. They should pay only a minimum and
not a maximum price for it.
Sir John Mowbray, in the interest of the Unior, de-
fended the action of Lord Salisbury, and praised the
loyalty of the Liberal Unionists.
Mr. Henry Chaplin said he would never go into the
lobby to support a proposition to interfere with
judicial rents. (Hear, hear.) If, however, landlords
were to be compensated for the interference with
judicial rents, he would support Lord Salisbury's pro-
posals, but on that condition, and no other.
A large number of speakers expressed their ap-
proval of Lord Salisbury's proposed action.
Mr. Goschen denied the statement made by Lord
Kihnore to the effect that Lord Saliebure's words
were in direct contradiction to Mr. Goschen's speech
on Saturday night, in which he virtually said that the
Government would not interfere with the main prin-
ciples of the Land Bill.
Mr. W. H. Smith, in a brief speech, urged upon the
Conservative members the importance of regular
attendance at the House of Commons, and begged
that no pairs should be made.
Lord Salisbury thanked the gentlemen present for
their attendance and tho meeting then dispersed.
It is understood that the bulk of the party will
give their support to the policy indicated by the Prune
Minister.