Smyrna times., 1886-04-14
Mr., Gladstone and Ireland'S Future
Government.

Mr.. Gladstone Thursday, placed be-
fore the British Parliament his scheme
of measures for the future government
of Ireland. The topic, the speaker and
the circumstances under which he
spoke made the occasion one of extra.
ordinary interest and importance, and
it will be perceived from the cabled re-
port of his speech that the prime min
lister handled his mum"utOus theme in
a manner worthy of his great reputa-
ton as master of expression, and of
the great political drama in which it is
his fortune to be the leading actor.
Mr.. Gladstone promised his proposals
with reference to the present unhar-
mOnious relations between Ireland and
Great Britain, and the intolerable OBJ
structiOn of the business of Parliament
resulting therefrom. 1t was his desire
to recast the relations of the two ISL
ands on the basis of free institutions
and political equality for both. In the
interest of civilization and social order
in Ireland it is necessary that her peo-
pie shall be in sympathy with the law
and the law-making power, a condition
of affairs which does not now exist,
and which can only be brought about
by endOwing them with large meas
ure of self-gOvernment. Provided the
unity of the empire be conserved, the
wider the liberty given to the Irish
people for the direction of matters ex-
clusively of Irish concern the better.
Mr.. Gladstone accordingly proposes
for the future government of Ireland a
scheme which, carefully guarding i'm
| perial interests, at the same time con-
cedes extensive powers to a Parliament
sitting at Dublin. This body is to con-
sist of two houses, an upper house OF
| 1O3 members, elected upon property
! qualification of $4,000, and lower
house of 206 members, elected upon the
present franchise. Twenty eight peers
are given the option of sitting in the
upper house, and the members repre-.
senting Ireland at present in the Brit.
ish House of Commons to be with,
drawn from London and to become
members of the lower house at Dublin
Each house for limited time will have
a power of veto upon measures passed
by the other.
The Irish Parliament, as thus consti
suited, will be empowered to legislat,
upon most matters of domestic inter
est, including taxation, trade, naviga
tfOn, and in a certain event postal ad
| ministratiOn. There is to be cOntri
button to. emperial expenditure, bu
the excess of Irish revenue over emu
merated fixed charges of this characte
is to go to Irish treasury. 1t will no
be within the competency of the Irisl
Parliament to legislate in respect t
foreign or colonial affairs, nor will it b
Empowered to control the army, tn
navy, or the other armed forces of tn
crown.
The preseut judiciary and constabu
larry, together with the existing civi
service, will, within a brief period, b
displaced in favor of Judges, police
man and civil servants chosen by tn
Dublin Parliament. The establish
ment or endowment of particular re
liglous sect is expressly forbidden.
The vicerOyalty will be continued
perhaps enlarged functions, but til
Office will cease to be u political one, t
be vacated and re-filled at each chang
of government in London. The relig
iOus test being removed, it will perhap
be thought expedient to appoint to tn
post hereafter person whose religion
views harmonize with those of the ms
= jOrity of the Irish people. Such, i
outline, in the face of many discOul
agements, will induce the present pa
lament to pass. Whether ii will prov
acceptable to the national party, or,
, acceptable to them, will command
2 majority of the House, is a question t
/ which it will be extremely hazardOu
, to venture a reply until time has bee
had for inquiry and discussion in r,
;. gard to its probable bearing upon tn
various and conflicting interests il
L VOlVed.-BGltmOre Sun.