Morning journal and courier., 1882-02-08
THE OLD WORLD.
Great Britain.

| Opening of MISUNDERSTANDING MOI
| Allowed to Take the Oath.
| LONDON, Feb 7.-Parliament began its ses-
sion at 2 o'clock to-day. There was the
usual scene. Gladstone was received with
cheers and Kisses. Bradlaugh was cheered.
He looked pale and weak. The Queens
speech was received with disappointment.
The speech says that England is on terms of
friendship with all foreign powers, and says
that her connections with France on the sub
ject of a new commercial treaty will be
prosecuted to the end of concluding a treaty
favorable to extended intercourse between
the two nations Of the condition of Ire
land the speech says that, as compared with
its condition at the beginning of last year, it
shows signs of improvement land encour-
ages the hope that perseverance
in the course you have pur-
sued will be rewarded with the
happy results which are so much to be de-
sired. Justice has been administered with
greater efficacy and the intimidation which
has been employed to deter occupiers of land
from fulfilling their obligations and from
availing themselves of the act of last session
shows upon the whole diminished force.
My efforts through the bounty of Providence
have been favored by an abundant harvest in
that portion of the kingdom In addition to
a vigorous execution of the provisions of the
ordinary law have not hesitated under the
painful necessity of the case, to employ
largely the exceptional powers entrusted to
me for the protection of life and property
by the two acts of last session"
The Speaker being in his chair and the or
binary formalities of the opening session
having been performed Mr.. Bradlaugh, who
had entered the House by the members door
without molestation, advanced alone to the
clerks table and asked to take the oath. Sir
Stafford Northcote, leader of the Tory side
of the House and who led the opposition
against Bradlaughs admission at the last
session, arose and moved a resolution to the
effect that in accordance with the rules of the
House Mr.. Bradlaugh should be prevented
from taking the oath. The Speaker cour-
teously informed Mr.. Bradlaugh that this
resolution must be discussed and requested
him to withdraw during the discussion. Mr..
Bradlaugh retired, but before doing SO asked
that the House would hear him before de-
Gliding the case. He claimed that his last
election as g member of the House was I'M
impeachable and he hoped the House would
act with fairness and justice. He declared
that if he took the oath he would. consider it
as binding on his conscience as any member
of the House. But if the House decided to
refuse to administer the oath to him he
would be willing to wait six weeks for the
passing of bill emitting members to either
affirm or take oath. Then he should stand
for reelection in his district and would only
accept dismissal at the hands of his constitu-
ents.
Mr.. Gladstone in replying to Bradlaugh's
speech defended the action of the govern
ment in the matter and said it would be best
to leave the whole matter TO law court as
in his opinion the House had no right to con-
slider question regarding the conscience of
member.
Immediately upon his retirement debate
upon Sir Stafford Northcote'skmoti began.
Sir William. Vernon Harcourt opposed the
motion in strong speech He commended
that the question of the legality of the oath
was one to be decided by law. After further
discussion the House on a division voted in
favor of Northcote's motion by vote of 296
against 22S.
The Prince of Wales was present in the
Peers gallery during the debate.
In the House of Commons this evening, on
the passing of Sir Stafford Northcote's motion
Bradlaugh again came up to take the oath,
refusing to withdraw from the House amid
cries for Gladstone, who stated that he could
offer no opposition to the decision of the
House, whereupon Bradlaugh retired. Mr..
Gray moved for a committee of inquiry as to
the arrest of Parnell and other members of
the House. The motion was rejected by a
vote of ia to As. Debate on the address
was then adjourned, with the understanding
| that it would conclude on Friday next. The
opposition has decided not to divide the
House at present.
In the House of Lords this evening Lord
Salisbury, speaking on the Queens speech,
complained of its obscnrity and also the total
absence of any reference being made by Her
Majesty to any compensation being made the
TriG do he ANTE
them in carryin out the provisions of the
land act. Earl Granville in reply to Sails.
bury said the Irish landlords were Loyalty
carrying out the provisions of the act and
| that in course of time they would find it was
benefit to them and was to their own inter-
est to see that the workings of the act wer
speedily carried into effect.