New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-05-12
THE NEW BILL TO REPREss CRIME.

SIR WILLIAM EXPLAlNS IFS PhONlsiONS
IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
LONDON May lin the House of Commons this
evening. Sir William Harcourt, the Homo Secre-
tary oduced the bill for the repression of crime
in Ireland. He characterized the prevalence of
crime there as a national disgrace. He said
The time has arrived for the entire House to
unite in taking steps to repress it. The case we de-
plore to-day is not a solitary one. Crime is
plague spot on Ireland, and | believe the
Irish people desire its removal. 1t springs
from secret societies and must he extrpated.
The wellSpriig of crime is the expectation of inn
purity, which is only too well founded. The Gov
ernmcnt mas therefore concluded that 1t Is neces-
sary in those places where the ordinary law is not
observed that special tribunals, consisting of three
Judges. be appointed by the Lord-Ieutenant to try
cases without jury. The Judgment of the court
must be unanimous Appeal can he made TO the
Supreme Court, the Judgment of the latter to be
given by majority of the judges. The Supreme
Court may diminish but cannot Increase the sever
ity of the sentences. Parliament Will lie asked To
provide special remuneration for tie special Judges
The bill also contains the following provisions:
1t gives power TO search for secret apparatus OF
murder, such as arms, threatening letters, etc,
power to enter houses by day or night under war
rant of the Lord-l leutennant power to arrest per-
sons wiling about at night and unable TO give an
account of themselves, who are to be dealt with
summarize power TO arrest strangers, crimes are
generally committed by foreign emissaries, the hos
pitality of England not being for such persons as
the agents of ODonovan Rosa and power to re-
move foreigners who are considered dangerous 10
peace.
Tho Government, therefore, intend to revive the
Alien act. Secret societies are TO be dealt with
sIImmarily and membership thereof Will constitute
an offence under this act Cases OF aggravated
assault are to be treated in a summary manner.
Power is gwen 10 repross intimidation and unlaw
full meetings the latter TO he dealt with summarily
Newspapers containing sedltious ana lni1amnatory
matter are be suppressed and the proprletOrs re-
Qured to enter into reCOgnZances not 10 repeat the
offence. Justices can compel the attendance OF
witnesses about to abscond Ihe Lord-Lleutenant
can appoint additional police, where necessary, al
the cost of the districts concerned. Compensation
for murder and outrage will be required OF the ais
tricts where they occur. Ontrages are to be dealt
with summarily by courts which are TO CONSIST Oh
two stlpendiary magistrates.
Sir William Harcourt announced that the Govern
mont intended to for consideration any fur
ther alteration of the jury system. lie admitted
that tins bill was extraordinary, but he declared
that it was necessary TO meet the extraordinary
circumstances. The operation of the bill would be
limited to three yeas. The Government would do
all III their power prevent innocent persons suffer-
ing from its action He added thar the bill placed
almost unlimited authority in the hands OF the
Lord Lieutenant, and concluded by stating that
this measure would shortly be followed by one deal
ing with arrears OF rent.
Si- Stafford Northcote followed Sir William Har-
court He said that the Opposition desired to give
the Government all the assistance in their power
but held them responsible for the way in which
| they discharged their duty.
Mr. W. 4. Forster said that in his belief force was
no remedy. but it was often necessary, and was
| never more necessary than now.
| Mr.. John Bright said that the bill was not aimed
at political opponents, but against crilne. lie de-
clared that if he Irishman he sho9ld rather
welcome measure which wOnd enable the people
10 pursue their daily duties in the confidence that
protection would be afforded by the law.
| MIR. ParDeli said that he wished to JON IN an ex-
| preston as 10 the temperate spirit shown by Eng
land during tho past few days. but he declared that
| that spirit was not displayed III the proposed DILL
which he regarded as the mcst stringent ever pro-
| posed. and which, he said, would result in hum
red-fod greater failure than what had gone before
Mr. John Dillon characterized Mr.. Forsters speech
| as bloodlhirsty but withdrew the words on the
demand of the Speaker. lie afterward fercely de-
nounced the bill.
Sir William Harcourt began by stating that the
| Government had considered the question of nsti-
tuting a military tribunal, but had come TO the
conclusion that resort TO such measure was unde-
sirable. There was ample testimony that the heart
of Ireland was sound, but Ireland was suffering
from the bare of secret societies.
The bill provides that the Lord-Lieutenant is TO
have power 10 proclaim districts to which the act
may be applied