The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-12-08
THE LIBERAL UNIONISTS
HOLD A MONSTER CONFERENCE
In LONDON
And Discuss the Great and Uaforta-
nate Differences Between Glad.
stone and His Opponents.


LONDON, December IA monster
conference OF Liberal Unionis,s was
held in London today, of which the
Marquis OF Harrington was chair
man. Among the distinguished per-
SONS present were Esrls Derby and
Northbrook, Baron Rothschild, Geo.
j GoscheD, ex-Attorney General
james, and numerous noblemen. Let
ters OF regret were read from Lord
Tennyson, the Duke OF Argye and
John Bright.
JOHN BRIGHT SAID:
81 do not attend because l might cay
something which would give pain. 1
fear to speak or even write respecting
Gladstone's course, which astonishes
and greatly psius me, especially his
speech to the Irish deputation which
lately called upon him. 1t seems
Gladstone has gone SO far in his wrong
course that there is no hope OF his re-
turn. l deplore and condemn such
action, and If present, might say some
thing which would widen the breach.
Gladstone's Irish allies are driving
matters to ext entity, and yet no word
comes from Parnell OF Gladstone to
restrain them"
CHAMBERLAIN WROTE:
There is no hope of reuniting the
Liberal psrty unles Glads,one's
scheme OF Irish government is aban-
doned
LORD HARRINGTON IN HIS ADDRESS
to the convention said the policy
which Gladstone advocated was d.
rectly opposed TO the opinions of the
entire Liberal party and even all the
principals under him. Liberal nionists
weue as true opponents Of liberal pIin-
ciples as were the majority who fol-
lowed Gladstone, and n maintaining
the supremacy OF the Imperial Par
Lament better representatives Of those
principles. Their association was
formed, Lord Harrington continued,
to preserve the character OF its men,
bers as Unionist Liberals, and in their
organic ton they achieved a success
which would have been imprscticsble
otherwise, and had only been achieved
after the organization by the forma-
ton of an alliance with the Oonserva-
tives.
SIEGE WOULD BIZ LAID TO GLADsroNEs
POSITION,
which has not been taken by storm,
and the Liberal Unionists would have
work until either they were defeated
or obtained more decisive victory.
The time has not yet arrived when a
line of action in Parliament can be
laid down. The Liberal Unionists
must depend for their line of Psrlia-
mentary policy upon the action Of the
government.
The speaker believed he found no
difficulty on the main point of main
tenance of union.
The present conference would prove
to Liberal Unionists everywhere,
they acting with full support of Lib.
eral opinion in party. Gladstone, Sir
William Vernon Hsrcourt and John
Morley based their speeches upon
granting Ireland an executive govern
ment, but all ignored the arguments
of Liberal Unionists against such
policy.
Gladstone then assumed that the
government was competing with him
in his scheme for Ireland, but the
government opposed anything Of the
kind.
THE REMOVAL OF THE PRESENT GOVERN
MENT
would result in the election OF Glad
stone, who would settle the Irish
question in his own way. We must
always remember this, when questions
arise which might result in displacing
the government. Liberal Unionists
are interested in sustaining the gov
eminent. Questions had arisen
which gave the Conservatives a COM
mon interest with q section OF the
Liberals, aud would force them 10
adopt sole reforms necessary to main
tain the union between the govern
ment and Liberal Unionists. The
question OF
MUNICIPAL REFORM
for instance, one which Unionists
should give the government an oppor-
tunity to consider. Referring to
THE SITUATION IN IRELAND,
Lord HattiDgon said the present an
ti-rent agitation was not spontaneous.
1t has been created for political pur-
poses, and was simply an anarchy. II
speeches like John Dillon's are not
checked, the result must be the sub.
version Of every principle Of liberty in
iceland. "We are told, " said the speak.
er, "that English Democracy could moi
stand these evictions, but l think En-.
Rlish Democracy will ask who is re.
sponsible for them"
"Gladstone," added Lord Harting
ton, "may not be able to control John
Dillon, but Gladstone can speak one
word which will dissolve the alliance
bet ween the sgitators Of Dillon's class
and the Liberal party. English peo'
pie are awaiting that word which If de-
iayed, will seriously end the good
name of the Liberal party" [Grea'
cheering
The L ri of Selburne moved con
ference to affirm its determination tC
make every effort to uphold the Union
The resolution was adopted by &C
clamation.
The Duke Of Westminster moved
and Heneage seconded resolution t
establish Liberal U1ionist associa
q n.;kosr