The Sun.
London, England, 1870-05-20 00:00:00

THE EDMUNDS' SCANDAL.

Sir JAMES ELPHINSTONE called attention to this subject,
and asked whether it were true that a writ had been
issued for the apprehension of Mr. Edmunds, who was
thus deprived of the opportunity of bringing his case
before a jury.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER observed that the
case was very simple. The question at issue between Mr
Edmunds and the Government was as to whether he was
in default in reference to a large sum of -money, The matter
was referred to arbitration, and it was found that Mr.
Edmund was indebted to the Government in the sum of
£7,142 13s. Under these circumstances judgment was
signed on the 11th of April, and an execution had been
issued against him under the advice of the law officers of
the Crown.

Mr. HORSMAN expressed his belief that although Mr.
Edmunds conduct had been foolish and stupid, he had
not committed intentional fraud.

The ATTORNEY*GENERAL said that there was no ques-
tion whatever that Mr. Edmunds was open to the very
gravest censure.

Sir JAMES ELPHINSTONE said he would move on a
future day that a commission be appointed to inquire into
the case.

THE IRISH LAND BILL.

The House went into committee on this till, and pro-
ceeded to consider the new clauses of the measure.
Sir JOHN GRAY moved the insertion of a number
of clauses, one of the principal objects of which
was to retain to a good landlord—one who
was well-disposed to his tenants —the power
which he now enjoyed, namely,, that of entering
into an amicable arrangement with his tenant, and except-
ing such a landlord from the clauses which prevented him
making such an arrangement. The land question was
seventy-eight years old, and had during that time been
the great evil .and trouble of Ireland. Now that the
Government were going to effect a general settlement :of
the question ; he was anxious to produce reconciliation
between the landlords and tenants by their own act, and
The proposition gave rise to a very protracted, but un-
interesting debate. Indeed, the proceedings failed to
excite any perceptible excitement, until Mr. Gladstone,
towards the end of the debate, succeeded in imparting
some vitality and interest in the discussion by his vigor-
ous attack on, and keen analysis of, the plan proposed by
the member for Kilkenny. Dr. Ball, in the course of the
night, recommended the committee to be content with
the Government bill, because, with all its faults, it pos-
sessed elements of finality. He strongly urged the Go.
vernment not to make further concessions to the Irish
members, and to put an end to popular agitation on the
land question by a vigorous and firm hand. This
remark drew from Mr. M`Mahon the retort that the
Opposition had been paid more deference in urging their
views upon the Government land scheme. Mr. Glad-
stone in his address exposed the deceptiveness of the
proposals of Sir John Gray, and remarked on the
paucity of these parties in favour of the system
he would establish. At half-past eleven the com-
mittee divided, and the clauses were rejected by an
overwhelming majority, namely, 317 to-29. Mr. Morrison,
who had a series of clauses to propose, recognising the
significance of the division, and its probable influence
upon his propositions, withdrew them. By this time the
committee had become excessively impatient of
further discussion, and unmistakeably wearied of its
long sitting. There was a disposition to report progress,
and Mr. Gladstone, on the motion to that effect, pointed
out that it was necessary and usual that towards the close
of the proceedings in connection with great measures,
which had produced protracted discussion, special efforts
should be made to conclude. He hoped, if progress were
now reported, a marked effort would be made on Friday
nightjto dispose of the remaining clauses which had to be con-
sidered. On the understanding that every facility should
be afforded the Government to complete the bill pro-
gress was reported, and the House resumed at twenty
minutes past twelve.