New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-11
CALLING BALFDUR A LIAR.
THE OPENING GUN IN PARLIAMENT.
Mr.. HARRINGTON oHARACTERIzss THE CHIEF SEC
RETARY's SPEECH AS A d" CHOICE EXAMPLE OF
MENDACITY "-sTAT1sTICs OF IRISH
CRIMES READ IN DEFENCE
or COERCION.


OF COERCION.
LONDON Feb l0-In the House Of Commons
this evening Sir James FERGUSON, Parliamentary
Secretary for the Foreign Office, said he could not
reassure the House regarding the condition OF the
German Crown Prince beyond stating that he was
getting on as well as could be expected Referring
to England's position toward the European Powers,
Mr.. Ferguson said that no agreement pledging
material action by the country had been entered
into with any Power. BY material action he
meant military responsibility.
Mr.. Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland con-
tinuing the debate on the address In reply to the
Queens speech, commented on the changed tone
Of Mr.. Gladstone as manifested in his speech OF
last evening. Where, he asked, was the impas-
stoned orator who used all the of rhetoric
to infame the public mind against the law and
against policemen?
Mr. Gladstone here interrupted the speaker,
saying that there was not an atom of foundation
for such assertions.
Mr. Balfour, continuing recalled the melting
language in Mr.. Gladstone's Nottingham speech
and said that he did not complain of but rather
congratulated Mr. Gladstone on his change Of
tone. lie would have liked 1t II oil the speakers
of the Opposition had followed Mr.. Gladstone's
example, and he would have liked it still better
il they had refrained from attending meetings Of
Irish tenants and conniving at violence against
officers Of the law. Grave reflections had been
cast upon resident magistrates in Ireland. 1t
was true that they were dependent for appoint.
ment upon the executive government. but out Of
a total of 70 magistrates, Earl Spencer had ap-
pointed approved 60 when he revised the list
CITING STATISTICS OF CRIME IN IRELAND.
Referring to statistics the speaker said that
the number OF persons tried under the Crimes
Act was 659, Of whom 220 were acquitted. In
1886 the number of agrarian offences reached q
total of 2I96, while in lss7 the. total was only
1897 The total number Of cases of ordinary
crime reached 1853 in sss and in ss7 II was
1853. The number Of agrarian offences for the
SIX months ending January 1SS7 was 455: and
for the same period ending January 1888, IT was
ties of bovcotting csnecially showed the
striking results Of the Crimes Act The number
OF persons being boycOtted at the end OF July,
1881 was $40. whereas now it was only eos.
The Governments efforts to protect persons from
the boycotters had been notably successful in
Counties Glare and Kerry. where the National
League has been suppressed People now travel
ling In Ireland declared that the condition OF the
country was greatly improved. and the judges
charges conf rmrd this opinion. The Government
were engaged in an old struggle, but never before
had any Government arrayed AGAINST II forces
recognized by the Opposition: Cheers from the
vituperation rescrted to by certain members OF
the Opposition. 1t blcmish on political
nH Sst to h lie lain that
that the Governments policy had been successful
Cheers
Mr.. John Morley said the House would infer
from Mr.. Balfour's speech the temper in which he
administered Coercion. rarnellite cheers Re-
gardng the Irish criminal statistics he said the
period showing decrease Of crime included the
six months calm during which eviction notices
cotting was due not to Coercion, but to an en-
tircly changed state Of feeling and dceper sense
Of responsibility toward the Liberal members who
were coworkers with the Irish to obtain justice
for for Ireland Cries Of Hear llcarlSl The
mately realize its aspirations. If II should ever
be deprived Of that hope the effects of Coercion
In aggravating social disorders would become
painfully apparent.
Mr.. Edward Harrington Member for West
Kerry, a Nationalist, called Mr.. Balfours speech
a choice example of his mendacity."
The Speaker called upon Mr.. Harrington to
withdraw the expression. Mr. Harrington ac-
quiesced but said he did so only under conmand.
Mr.. Harrington. continuing. said that the Cow
eminent manipulated the figures relating to
crime. Everybody conversant with the affairs OF
Ireland knew that the magistrates administered
the people. Mr. Balfour's regime had oppressed
the people and had tried to suppress those vind-
eating the peoples rights. But the principles of
liberty would be fought for until they triumphed.
Mr.. Parncll moved the adjournment OF the de-
bate and the motion agreed to.
The text of Mr.. Parnelrs amendment to the adj
dress is as follows:
Humby to represent to Her Majesty that only the
remedial portion Of las sessions Irish legislation
has tended TO diminish crime whereas the IepicssNe
and respect Of her Irish subjects for the Lew, and that
the administration of the Crimes act. well much
of the general action Of the Executive has been harsh
and partial.
The amendment will receive the full support
Of the front Opposition bench.