The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-01-16
SPeeon or Hon. John Bright, at Bir-
mtngham, ON Irish Affairs

1ouressed their constituents, in the town
naii' tonight. Mr.. Bright, on this occa.
sion, made his first appearance on a
Piatiorm since his entrance into the
Caolnet, and he met with an enthusias-
TIC reception from his townsmen.
O.. mayor Prime presided, and Alderman
otorge moved vote of thanks to the
ministers for their general policy, and
especially for their course in regard to
!ne Irish Church. In speech support
ing the resolutions, Alderman Storge
noped the government would continue
sne work OF reform. and amend the Irish
tnno 1.a laws, give the ballot, reduce expen-
oltures and diffuse education.
Mr: Bright, on arising to address the
| meeting, was vehemently cheered. He
thanked his, fellow-citizens for the reso-
iutlons, conveying, as they did, an avowal
OF confidence in the government He
believed that at the end of the next ses-
SION OF Parliament, similar vote would
be earned and received.
he proposed no retrospect-he pre-
ierred to look forward-yet he touched
on the law in regard to compounding
rates, and alluded, also, to the disestab-
ilshment of the Irish Church. On the
latter measure, he said his constituents
nad spoken loud enough for all to hear
ana all to understand. It was one of the
comPletest measures ever presented to
the House of Commons; but difficulty
occurred In the place to which all, who
Can, go, when in London-the House of
Lords-a place of the greatest antiquity
ana greatest influence. On this occa-
SION, there was more passion displayed
than ls generally seen there, bringing
the occupants of benches to the edge of
an ugly precipice. The passion, how
ever, cooled-the wisest refected-and,
after mutual compliments and congratu-
lations, the bill was passed by the Lords,
who thus admitted that no institution,
however ancient, grand and historical, is
safe, If opposed to the convictions and
voice of the people. Considering the
constitutional training of the peers, their
friends might well rejoice. Catholic
grievances were extinguished-
grievances only were left. Now, he
asked Parliament to do something for
Irish Ion-Oatholics md land reform.
The difficulties of the question appeared
formidable, at distance, but were easily
surmountable, on approach. The state
OF Ireland might be painted in few
words.
The land had few owners, while one
half of the population were tenants at
will. The owners neglected to cultivate
the soil, but faithfully collected the
rents. The industry, home and life of
the tenant are at his mercy, or that Of
his agents. The owners are of the race
as the occupiers of tie soil. The only
difference between them is that of the
treatment of the law of politics.
The Catholic tenant and Protestant
/ Yairht to IL. Co -
rule. Irish proprietorship is really con-
fiscation, which is the result of conquest,
and only justifiable as conquest. Te this
wrong, penal laws have been added
vastly greater ones.
Parliament is called upon to give right
to the tenants, but to save the property
of the owners. ALI would be right, if
the Irish would be as eager for reform,
If they were landlords, as if they were
tenants. The reign of discord must be
stopped. 100000 policemen and soldiers
must be withdrawn from Ireland. The
question was the hardest ever presented
to the people or Parliament. The 60
vernment was preparing measures OF
reform. Serious popular consideration
was invoked for them. There was no
party question respecting it, and party
fight would be unpatriotic.
Nearly four years ago, he had blamed
Wr. Gladstone for the suspension of the
writ OF habeas corpus. He had also
1 blamed Mr.. Disraeli for not introducing
measures of amelioration. He knew
that an unreformed Parliament must
refuse action, and therefore he pressed
reform, wider franchise and free repre-
sentation.
This was no class question. The will,
justice and power dwelling only in the
nation could treat it. He believed, now,
that great results must follow reform.
Parliament can do as much for Ireland,
as Ireland, if independent, or all Ameri-
can State. could do for herself Voices
"no." Ireland. now, has churches and
schools, and soon will have free lands
and votes. Ireland is not wealthy, but
we can buy from her all she has to sell,
and sell to her cheaper than can any
other nation.
Our plans of pacification may fail;
hope not. We propose conquest oi
Ireland without shedding any blood.
Our only weapons will be frank and
generous justice, potent to re-unite ma.
tions long separated by oppressive ne
glect. Loud cheers.
From this new policy great changes in
Ireland may be anticipated. We shall
not make it Paradise lost but greatly i'm
proved. He quoted the lines from Pope
commencing "Then crime shall cease, >
and added. no language like this is ex
aggeration.
If we can suppress conspiracy, Danish
agrarian crime, unbar prisons, reduce
martial force, and make Ireland as tran
quill as England or Scotland, something
will be done to justify our statesman,
ship. Yet education is still untouched.
There, as here, in less than three years
there will be national education by gene.
raj consent. The children of the people
must be educated. Plans vary, some
even proposing compulsion. The 90.