New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-15
NO COERCIVE LAW WANTED.
Mr.. PARNELL SHARPLY ARRAIGNS THE
IRISH SECRETARY.
Mr.. BALFoUR's PETTY PROSECUTIONS IN IRE
IANp-THE GOVERNMENT UNDECIDED
on ITS DISPOSITION OF THE
COMMISSION REPORT.


London, Feb. 14.-Amd cheers of the Opposl-
ton in the House of Commons to-day Mr. farhell
bsked what action the Government proposed
10 take upon the report Of the Special Oominssion
appoi1ted to investigate the charges made oN
.Tbo Tin,csn AGAINST Parncllite members of the
House
Mr. Smith the Government leader, replied
that the report only came into possession OF the
Ministers at 10 o'clock last evening and that
thev had not vet had time to decide upon the
course they would adopt.
The debate on the address in reply to the
speech from the Throne was then resumed.
Mr. Parnell moved the amendment of which
he had before given notice, asking the repeal
Of the Coercion Act, and addressed the House.
lie attacked the pcttiness of the prosecutions
which the Government was daily infiict-
inc upon many persons in utter
cratuitousness, and the coercive action under
Mr. Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland. Al
most every act of Mr.. Balfour, Mr.. Parncll said,
appeared to be directed toward driving the people
of Ireland to crime. lie compared the coercive
administration of Earl Spencer with that of Mr..
Balfour, and said that though many actions
of Earl Spencer had been faulty, the law under
him had been directed against actual crime
and secret conspiracy, while in the case
the right to combine to secure the freedom of the
press and liberty of speech The Government S
excuse for its action was the existence in Ireland
Of boycotting. He had never denied that there
had been much unjust and criminal boycotting
during 1880, 1881 and 1852. The history of the
Irish movement since the last-named year showed
that the action of the NationaiSts had been
constantly modified and moderated in recognition
Of the efforts TO secure the passage OF amcLoratlvc
measures for Ireland.
The League of to-day, Mr. Parncll declared.
differed widely from the Land League of 1850,
and Mr. Balfour could not plead as excuse for
his course that crime was being revived. On
the contrary, the people were quicscent, in en-
pectation of soon obtaining their rights. Yet
Mr. Balfours regime had been distinguished by
petty prosecutions and frivolous charges, often
brought against children and old women. His
campaign against the press began with the news
boys and was winding up with fuSllade against
the editors. The action Of the Government tended
TO IFS own defeat and could not succeed IN turn
ing the tide of the aspirations of the irish pco-
pie Despite the petty eXaSperatlons OF the Bal
four policy the NatiOnalists had not Swerved from
pacific methods 10 attain their aims. Cheers
Sir Richard Webster. the Attorney-Genefal
charged Mr.. Parhell with making grave accusa'
tions against Mr.. BafOur without producing any
evidence in support of his allegations. lie could
not adduce q single instance of unjust eviction
While calling the Administration 10 account in
The future he would at least he limited 10 some
facts He could not dsprOve the figures showln%
that crime had decreased and that hoycotung had
been represSed.
All the Radical party in the House OF Commons
is in favor of the dissolution of Parliament; and
will assist any project looking 10 that end There
is notion that the report OF the Iarneil 'omlnlS
sion dscrediting the Government as the ally OF
The Times" will have a great elect through INC
country. and that this wOuld be good time Tor
the choice of new House of Commons.