The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-26
IRISH QUESTIONS.
An Excited Debate in the Commons Between
Major Saunderson and Mar. Harris.


Major Saunderson and Mr. Harris.
LONDON Aug. 25-The debate on the address
in reply to the Queens speech was continued
this evening. Sir Thomas Esmonde, Home
Ruler, dwelt upon the hardships of the Irish
farmers. Their produce. he said. was unstable,
and it was, therefore, cruel barbarity for the
landlords to exact rents. It was sound eco
nomic doctrine that when profits from land di-
minished all concerned should bear the loss, not
the farmers alone
William Redmond, Nationalist, said it was
useless 20 discuss land settlement now The
question was whether landlords would be allowed
to eyict tenants for not paying impossible rents
whether the English would allow the Irish to
be cast iato the roadside during the coming win
ter. If the result was boodshed. misery and
outrages the responsibility would rest with the
government whose only panacea was the ap-
pointment of royal commission.
Mr. Balfour, Secretary for Scotland accused
Mr.. Parnell of trying to make government i'm.
possible oy promoting general anti-rent strike.
The Parnellites, he said, did not wish settle
ment between landlords and tenants, but wished
to keep open the agrarian sore.
Mr.. Stewart, on behalf of the Democrats of
democracy would not tolerate coercion. Ire
land must be autonomist
Major Saunderson (Conservative) said he
would speak as a landlord to refute the Parnell-
ite charge that the Irish landlords or blood
suckers, as they were pleased to call the land
lords. were afraid to make their voices heard in
the House of Commons. He ISaundersonl ac-
cepted the challenge Irish Landlords, he said,
were not afraid to accept Parnelite challenge
on this or any other point Major Saunderson
quoted an extract from a speech made in Octo-
ber. $780, by Dir. Matthew Harris, member for
East Galway, in which the latter said if the
farmers shot the landlords like partridges he
world not blame them
At this point Mr. Harris entered the house.
and, in obedience to summons, asked Major
Saunderson to repeat the quotation. Major
Saunderson replied: with the greatest pleas
ure," and again read the extract from Mr.. Har-
riss speech.
Mr.. Harris-Wiil Major Saunderson read what
said leading up to the extracts
Major Saundarson-This is the only portion of
the speech worth repeating.
After excited discussion the Speaker al
lowed Mr.. Harris to make an explanation. Mr.
Harris commenced discursive statement. to
the effect that in 1874 he went into the Riband
lodges in Westmeath and elsewhere in the en-
deavor to put down aerarian crime. The Speaker
interposed, saying that Mr.. Harris, by the in
diligence of the House, was allowed to make a
personal explanation, but not to make an argu-
mentative speech.
Major Saunderson, resuming, said: tMr.
Harris does not deny the accuracy of the ex-
tract
Mr.. Harris texcitedlyl-I do Read the con-
text.
Major Saunderson-Mr Harris has Informed
the House of an interesting fact that was un-
aware Of before, namely, that he belongs to the
Riban3 order.
Mr.. Harris excitedly arose and made remark
that was inaudible, owing to the cries of the
Parnellites
Mr.. Dillon rose to point of order. He asked
whether one member was entitled to accuse
another of belonging to the Riband order.
The Speaker-It is a statement the truth of
which Mr.. Harris has admitted. The House
must judge.
Mr. Dillon denied that Mr.. Harris had admit
ted anything of the kind. Shouts of Order"
and Parnellite cheers.
The Speaker-The honorable members have
heard the statement. Doubtless Major Saun-
derson will accept denial.
Mr.. Harris-I repudiate it as an infamous false
hood ICries of "Order."I
The Speaker-Mr. Harris will withdraw that
expression unreservedly.
Mr.. Harris obeyed, but further pickering en-
sued.
The Speaker. rebuking the disorderly mem
bers, said he hoped personal illusions would
cease
Major Saunderson, resuming his speech. said
that Parnell had formulated new canon-"Thou
shalt ask no rent" All classes and trades in
ton except the professional Irish politicians.
Laughter. That occupation was nsver in
more hourishing condition. The Parneites
were trying to exterminate the landlords by ter
rorism. He instanced cases at Gweedore,
where tenants paid each other much
tl0O for tenant right. but re-
fused to pay the landlords fifteen shill-
ines yearly rent because the parish priest,
who was president of the local branch Of the
National League, had quarreled with these
landlords concerning threats and outrages dur
ing the winter. Mr.. Parnell was like an engi-
neer who could turn shut off steam at will.
Mr. Parnell held the throttle valve of crime in
Ireland He had opened the valve before, and
could do it again if be pleased. conservative
cheers and Parnelite cries Of Order
Mr.. Redmond rose to point of order, and
after some discussion, Major Saunderson said he
would withdraw the Objectionable expression,
but at the same time would maintain his private
opinion In conclusion, Major Saunderson said
that the Parnelltes would find, before long, that
they we're not dealing with a craven government,
and that the government would not let the con-
troll of Ireland fall into the hands of the League.
The debate was adjourned on motion of Mr..
Chamberlain.