The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1887-11-12 00:00:00

MIL ILLINGWORTH AND HIS
CONSTITUENTS.

The following is the text of a letter recently issued
by Mr. Illingworth, M.P., the member for West
Bradford: "Dear Sir,—There is abundant reasons to
believe that Liberal members of the House of Com-
mons are anxious during the recess to advance by
every means in their power the policy of conciliation
towards Ireland, and also to show their sympathy
with the Irish people in the cruel ordeal through
which they are passing. It has been suggested that
almost incalculable good would result from an early
visit to Dublin and other ,Centres of as large a
number of members as can possibly join in what
may become a very powerful demonstration. The
object of the visit would be (1) to give an
assurance on Irish soil of the unfaltering support
of British Liberals in securing Mr. Gladstone's
scheme of self-government for Ireland; (2) to
encourage the people to perseverance and patience
in their constitutional struggle ; and (3) to realise
on the spot the views and feelings of the Irish
people. The countenance and aid given by members
and others who have lately been in Ireland have been
highly valued, and the presence of a large
number would tend to extend much further
the growing confidence and regard between
the Irish and Great Britain. It will prob-
ably be found most convenient, if the response to
this circular warrants it, to make two parties, the
first to be in Ireland about the middle of November,
and the second early in December. Without any
formal application already about 20 members have
expressed their readiness to form part of such an
organised visit. I address you in the confident hope
that you will be willing to make the necessary sac-
rifice of time and comfort at this juncture, and that
you will kindly inform me by return of post,
if possible, of your intention to go over in
company with the first or second party, whichever will
he most convenient. Upon hearing from you, and
after consulting with a few M.P.'s nho are near at
hand, I shall have pleasure in advising you further as
to arrangements.—l am, dear Sir, yours sincerely,
ALFRED ILIA/low-mall, Daisy Bank, Bradford." Mr.
Illingworth has sent out the above invitation in
concert with several leading non-official Liberals.
The letter has no' been addressed to any Scotch or
Welsh member, as it was not thought desirable to
clash with any steps they ni; At, be taking, and it has
been sent to none of t o hitt :newl.ors of Mr. Glad-
stone's late Government. The responses which have
already been received from two-thirds of the English
Liberal members are all couched in terms of cordial
sympathy with the proposal. A good many members
are either absent (remarks the Daily News) from the
country, or through sickness, political engagements,
and other causes find it impossible to take part in the
first deputation, but it is'anticipated thata large num-
ber will proceed to Dublin towards the end of this
month, and that the •Nationaliat lodders hi Ireland
will organise a reception. No formal programme has
been drawn up, and it is contemplated that upon
leaving Dublin the deputation will divide its forces
over the rest of the country.

LORD GRANVILLE IN THE POTTERIE9.
Earl Granville took part in a Liberal meeting-which
was held at Hanley on Monday night under the presi-
dency of Lord Burton. Several local members of
Parliament were present. A resolution, expressing
abhorrence of the Irish policy of the Government,
was submitted, and Earl Granville, in supporting it,
offered some criticisms on Mr. Balfoetr's recent speech.
He denied that he had been converted to Home Rule
by Mr. Gladstone. The first thing that shook him
occurred some years ago, when one of the ablest of the
Liberal Unionists put to him the question: "Have
you reflected how, if the Irish members in the House
of Commons tenaciously continue in the line they have
adopted, they are to be dealt with, and whether there
is any possible issue of such a contest ?" They _had
both reflected, though they had come to different con-
clusions. But the man who really converted him was
Earl Spencer, who, with Sir Robert Hamilton, gave
him the first earnest conviction of the need of Howe
Rule, and everything he had since heard or read, for
or against it, had confirmed his belief in its wisdom.
The resolution was passed by acclamation.
SIR, W. HART DYKE AT WORCESTER.
Addressing a crowded meeting at Worcester on
Monday evening Sir W. Hart Dyke said we were living
in dangerous times, having to fight against an organi-
sation in Ireland unexampled in the history of the
country. At all hazards the Government must main-
tain its ground. When they heard the cant and
humbug about the Government suppressing National
League meetings it sliculd be remembered that the
Government was placed in Ireland to govern, and
every drop of blood spilt in Ireland should be placed
to the credit of those who urged an ignorant
peasantry to defy the police. The course of the
Government was clearly defined, and it was to spare
no effort to reconcile and adjust Irish grievances,
while at the same time taking efficient means to
secure peace, order, and contentment in the country.
--
GLA.DSTONIAN MEETING AT
COCKERMOUTH.
On Monday night Sir Wilfrid Lawson and Mr. W.
Abraham, member for West Limerick, addressed a
crowded meeting at Cockermcuth, held to condemn
the Irish policy of the Government. Sir W. Lawson
said they must take a good look at Mr. Abraham,
because they would not have a chance very long,
for if things went on at the present rate the whole
of the Irish members would be shut up in gaol. The
Tories were very eager to succour every ,oppressed
nation except Ireland, and why? Because England
was the oppressor, and that made all the difference.
Though it was foolish to prophesy, he ventured to do
so, and it was that before long, in spite of all the
coercion, of a Castlereagh, or the bullets ot a
Balfour, Ireland would get its freedom. Speaking
of the Dissentient Liberals, he said ho did not call
them Liberal Unionist, but Liberal Coercionists.
It was evident that Mr. Chamberlain's party con-
sisted of only five persons—his brother, his brother-
in-la-sr, and his shadow, Mr. Jesse Collings. He had
forgot who the other two were, but doubtless they
were the shadows of the shadow. If England did
its duty, and was true to its principles, in a very
short time the cause of the Irish would have a
! glorious victory.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL AT READING.
Sir Richard Webster, Attorney-General, speaking
at Reading on Monday night to about 2000 persons,
asked if the action of the Government in Ireland was
wrong, how was it that men like Mr. Bright, Lord
.11artington, and Mr. Chamberlain took their stand
on the same platform? It was for the purpose of
diverting a great and common danger that threat-
ened the nation—the intention of such men as Mr.
Dillon and Mr. O'Brion being, not only to separate
Ireland from England, but entirely to annihilate her
Majesty's Government in Ireland.