The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-12
ENGLISH POLITICS.
Gladstone's Method Of Figuring Gains-Spes
ulation as to the Future.

Gladstone's Method of Figuring Gains-Spec-
ulation as to the Future.
LONDON, Dec. 11.-Mr Gladstone has written
letter in which he says: ut has been won
derful election, and will prove that we have
gained on the Tories since 1880, if an allowance
is granted of fifteen seats lost through double
Liberal candidatures and fifteen seats Mr.. Par
nell gave the Tories" Politics continue to fur
nish ample food for speculation as to probable
results, and very little ground for definite pre-
diction. One of the most significant develop
ments of the situation, and one much discussed,
is the growing certainty that Mr.. Gladstone did
not feel himself bound in the elections just
passed to be loyal in all cases to his Radical ad-
herents. In at least two instances there is proof
that he secretly threw his influence on the side
Of Whig candidates as against Radicals urgently
supported by Mr.. Chamberlain. An angry letter
from Mr. Chamberlain to friend, complaining
of Mr.. Gladstones action in this respect, is being
handed around at the Reform Club, and
seems to presage internal dissensions in
the Liberal ranks at no distant day. Mr.
Gladstone's version of the matter is understood
to be that having honestly striven to secure the
withdrawal of duplicate candidates in districts
where more than one were in nomination, aud
having failed to secure such withdrawal, his
duty was finished, and he was justified in sup
porting whichever one of the candidates was
deemed by him to be most in accord with the
Liberal partys principles
It is now certain that Mr.. Gladstone before
pledging himself to Mr.. Parnell, committing
the party in any way on Irish questions, will call
meeting will take place probably the, second
week in January, and Irish members will be in
vited to attend and give their views. Mr.. Glad
stone will present general outline of his policy
and ask for united support. If the support de-
manded be pledged, Mr. Gladstone will prepare
a comprehensive Irish bill in preference to op-
posing Tory legislation or offering amendments
in detail in committee.
It is learned on excellent authority that Lord
Spencer has been sounded as to his willingness
to 60 back to Ireland in the evsat Of the return
of the Liberals to power, and has intimated his
willingness to do SO if requested by Mr.. Glad
stone.
Anxiety is felt just now as to the tactics that
will be adopted by Mr.. Parnel in renewing the
fight for home rule His first opportunity to
bring up the subject for debate will be when the
government presents the House its draft Of the
address to the Queen in reply to the speech from
Parnell will seize this opportunity to move an
amendment to the address in favor of home rule
for Ireland. 1t is now seen that the Parnellite
strength in the new Parliament will be virtually
one hundred. Inc solid phaanx OF Parnellltes
proper bound by oath to vote as the majority de-
cides lacks but fourteen Of that number. The
deficiency is fully made up by old allies of Mr..
Parnell and by other Liberals whose narrow es-
capes from defeat have emphasized to their minds
the power of the Irish vote.
Mr.. Thomas P. OConnor, Mr.. Parnelrs trusted
lieutenant, in an interview to-day, defined the
Nationalists' view of home rule for Ireland as
like that of the government of Canada; the Irish
members not to sit in the Imperial Parliament,
and the people of Ireland not to contribute to-
ward the expenses of the imperial government
nor to share in the payment of the national debt.
Regarding funds to carry out the Nationalists'
measure, Mr.. OConnor said the Parnellites
could raise 100000 in America.