Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-03-23

resumption OF the Discussion OF the
PRrneii Commission.


lBy AnClo-American cabio 70 tho Dispa.,hl
LONDON, March 22.-ln the House OF Com
mons to-day Sir Willam Vernon Harchirt.
rcsuming the discussion Of the Parnell
Commission, declared that Attorney-Ge0c-
raj Webster's Identification with the COM
mission had destroyed the impression that
the Government would be impartial and bad
added weight TO the Illness charges. II
the Att0rney-General bad not advised the
Government Parliament should not vote
salary for services he had not performed.
Hocondemned the Attorney Generals apollo
" for Pigg0its forgeries as mean, con-
temptible, and disgracetul, and expressed
the hope that he would MAKE a better
apology.
Attorney General Webster replied that
but for the duty he owed those who trusted
him he would not have noticed the charges
made by Mr. HarcOurt. II he were capable
Of the conduct imputed b him he would be
a disgrace 10 the English bar. lie was pri-
yate counsel for the Times. y was inmate
rial whether be had been right or wrong in
assuming that position, although IL was
doubtful whether be had been prudent.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt wanted 10
know whether the Attofney-Geueral had
letter In which PiggOit admitted has inabiIi-
~ 10 stand concentration. II Mr..
SOames had that letter and kept Il from the
knowledge Of the AttOrBey-Gereral he liar.
eouri) had no hesitation in saying that the
name OF Mr.. SOames ought 10 be struck Off
the rolls. The Acknowledgement would
doubtless now tell the House when be frst
learned Of Piggoi's character and whether
he was informed when Houston burned
Plggott's correspondence.
In the course OF the Attorney. Cenersrs
reply the Chairman called upon MessIs.
Xavier and O'Brien 10 retire for interrupt
ing. Mr. OBrlen denied that be had opened
hls uouth. The Chairman repeating the
order TO retire, Mr. Pinkerton cOrrobOrated
Mr.. OBrien, declaring that he had been
silent. Mr. 4. p. UConnor thereupOn pro-
tested against the Chairmans putting the
lie to an honorable member without an In
Quiry.
The Chairman accepted the dlscaIm, add
ing that Mr. O'Brien could not deny having
repeatedly interrupted loudly, and warning
him not to repeat such conduct. The AttOr-
ney-Generab continuing, declined absolute
ly 10 say whether be had advised the GOV
eminent on any point. None knew better
than Dir. Harcourt that be could not answer
such question. But be had never youehed
TO the Government for the authenticity OF
the letters. Mr.. Harcourt Ougbt to know
that no counsel yOuebed for the truth OF
what he proposed 10 prove by evidence.
Mr.. Harcourpg argument that the counsel
ought 10 satisfy himself as 10 the accuracy
OF a statement the witness would make was
preposteTous. He accused Mr. Harconrt OF
asking questions 10 this manner because he
knew a certain section OF the press was only
too ready 10 turn the suggestions into aecu-
sations. For Instance, there was bis ques-
ton as 10 whether the Attorney-General
suggested that Piggott should see Daily.
He never heard OF the visit I'LL two
nights ago. Regarding Piggott the Attor-
ney-Genersl argued thai he had no right to
keep him from the witness-b0x because he
said be could not stand cross-examinslion.
lie bad informed the commission and bad
put Piggot's letter in Sir Charles Russelfs
hands five days before Piggott went into the
box. Loud ministerial cheers.I Would the
committee believe that Sir Charles Russell
hsd ASKED that the letter should not be read
TIL Piggott went into the boxi Laughter
lie protested strongly ag ,inst Sir Williams
reference 10 Mr.. soames, who was not there
to answer the charges.
10 regard 10 Sir Williams statement that
Mr.. soames's apology could only have been
written by petiifogging knave, that knave
stood before than nj the present moment.