Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-04-09
MR. GLADsToNE'5 PLAN.

At this writing we have by the dis
patches only incomplete statements of Mr.
Gladstone's plan for the pacifcation and
government of Ireland, as yesterday pre-
sented to Parliament But, so far as we
are now advised, the scheme is one that,
while 1t appears to meet with favor from
the Parnellites, is likely to divide Irish
sentiment, though it would seem to have
the strength in it to command the support
the Government asks. 1t is perhaps not a
matter betokening weakness that the land
lord class in advance manifest disapproyal
of the scheme. Mr.. Gladstone strikes the
Keynote of great political principle when
he declares that "the first condition of
civilized life demands that the people have
confidence in the law and sympathize
Herewith" On this rock he proposes to
build an ediiice that shall command the
respect of the world. But the problem
involved he states very plainly and sim
ply when he SAYS it is to reconcile impe-
rial unity with diversity of legislation"
Whether dual legislative and admins
trative body in Dublin will effect this
under Viceroy, so long as England re-
tains control of the customs and the COM
mercial privilege, is much to be doubted.
II there is any one thing besides the
breaking down of landlordism that the
Parnaltrfaa Iactra -, II
toms for the protection of Irish industries.
This, we long since expressed the belief
England will never yield, not even if Mr..
Gladstone should ask it. The Nationalist
have uniformity held that they must be
given the right to protect Irish manufact-
rres. Said Mr.. Parnel recently:
1--WE shall insist upon a Parliament to protect
lrlsh manufactures if it be the wish of the
narlinment and of the Irish people" But saws
william Stephenson Gregg. :" that this policy
would be fatal 10 what little there is OF Irish
trade is the settled impression in Fncland Rnt
The trade OF Ireland is moribund, it cannot b.
ruined and if its bad case were made worse by
protection the mistake could be remedied in a
slngle day. Wedonot withhold the rightof pro-
lection from our colonies Firmly convinced of
the benefits of free trade, we receive the prod
l ucts Of australia and Canada, and let those
colonies levy duty on ours. Why should we
treat ireland III less liberal manner?'
The Premier declares in favor of political
equality for Scotland, ireland and England,
and consequent equitable distribution of
imperial funds But,the minority in Ire
land, he adds, must be protected, and this
is not the least of the greater difficulties
before him. There are, as proposed, to be
two houses of legislation, concurrence to
enact being required. This body is to deal
with laws affecting taxation, trade and
navigation, coinage weights, measures and
the postal regulations, but, as we now I'M
derstand it, all power of customs reeula-
tion will remain with England, though the
customs and excise income will be admin
lstered in Ireland for the DISCHARGE Of Irish
Obligations. The new Parliament is not
to interfere with the prerogatives of the
Crown, or deal with affairs of the army or
navy, or have anything to do with foreign
relations or colonial affairs All these are
to remain with the general Parliament of
the empire Against such provisions it
would appear that the home rulers ought
not to raise serious objection. Indenen-
dence they have not expected nor asked.
What Gladstone now offers is not to be
cautiously treated. 1t is provided that the
Irish Lords shall be represented in the
House Of Lords, but at this writing the
intimation is that Irish representation in
the Commons will be meager. So far as
outlined the scheme of the Government
" you'd appear to be one it will be able to
stain in Parliament, but it is too early
- pronounce any decided opinion upon it.
l. is certain, however, that England is pre-
pared 10 concede to Ireland to-day more
than ever before, and out of this sentiment
the hope springs that the beginning of the
eni of the Irish question is at hand, and
that in Irish councils win prevail the
IN igment, We should take what is now
rendered, else we receive nothing"