Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-10

already know what their opinions and hopes
are. Last evening was in the company Of
several members for two or three hours In
one OF the smoke rooms of the House. For
my benefit the probabilities of home rule for
Ireland were freely discussed, and think
cannot do better than to quote the words of
Charles Fenwick on the question. He is an
English member. His opinions were shared
by others and are in accordance with those
of Mr.. Gladstone, Mr.. Morley and other
prominent Liberals. Mr.. Fenwick said:
1T seems to be certainty that this Par.
lament will be dissolved in the autumn of
next year. 1t may collapse before then, but
1t cannot last longer than the time I have
named. A general election will then take
place and then we are sure to have home
rule for ireland, as Gladstone's party will
have O majority. There has never been
Government that have gone to pieces SO sud-
denly as the present Government have.
They opened last years session just as
strong as they were in 1886 and to-day they
are foundering in difficulties. They know
they are doomed and are doing their best to
fix their friends all right as soon as possible.
am confident that Ireland will obtain home
rule shortly, and on the general lines laid
down by Mr.. Gladstone. The feeling Of the
English people generally has undergone .
great change recently on this matter, and it
is certain that the vast majority of voters are
inclined to support candidates who will give
Ireland Justice. The late Barrow election
settles that beyond doubt and it also shows
that man must either be Liberal or q
Tory. The people are getting tired OF the
Liberal Q nionists.
What is the general opinion among En-
glish mem bers regarding the form of home
rule that will be adopted?"
WILL HAVE A PARLIAMENT,
"Well, the general, and may say popu-
lar opinion, is to the effect that q parliament
will be granted to Ireland to rule its domes-
tic affairs and Irish members will also be re-
tanned at Westminster to deal with imperial
matters. In other words, the Irish people
will have two sets of members. one set to
deal with matters only pertaining to ireland
and the other set to meet as usual at West
minister and deal with matters relating to
the entire British dominions. Of course, the
best Irish statesmen will be kept in Ireland
to govern their own country and
the lesser lights will be sent to Westminster.
The latter condition is essential to the
Liberal party, as the majority of Irish mem-
bers are Radicals and Liberals
"1n short, it is the general opinion Of the
Liberal party that the home rule system
will be similar to the State and Federal
system of government in America. Of
course this will cause rigid line to be
drawn as to what will constitute Irish mat
ters only and what will constitute imperial
questions. But one thing is well under
stood, and that is that Ireland will not be
allowed the control of any military forces
whatever or warships. These then are the
general lines on which the Liberal party are
agreed, and they mean bona fde home
rule"
''If anything should cause the retirement
Of Mr.. Gladstone from public life before the
general election, would the chances of home
rule be jeopardized?"
GLADsToNE's INFLUENcE.
II think they would because there il
nobody capable of filling his place. He is
the great power that influences the nation
and solidifes the Liberal forces behind him,
Were he to disappear the House of Com
mons would not be like the same body. As
old as he is he is head and shoulders above
any member of the House. He raises all
important exertlons to standard of dis
oussion far above petty partisanship, and
this Keeps everybody in line. OF course
John Morley is great man, but he is mot
Gladstone. However, if the worst should
come, and pray heaven that the Grand
Old Man may long be spared, still think a
home rule measure will be passed. Certainly,
the task will not be 30 easy with Gladstone
absent, but the feeling of the people is in
favor of home rule, and it must be gra tied. !"
Regarding Mr.. Gladstone may say that
had the extreme pleasure OF hearing him
make one of his famous speeches in the
House of Commons. He spoke on the ces-
sion OF Heligoland, and judging from the
vigor and eloquence he displayed, it seems
certain that he will remain In harness until
he crowns the remarkable labors of q re-
markable life BY granting home rule to Ire
land. Undoubtedly he is one of the most
statesmen that have ever lived,
and it is well known that his only ambition
now in life is to grant home rule to Ireland.
IRIsHMEN RELY ON GLADSTONE.
Conversations which I have had with
Irish members show conclusively that they
are entirely relying on Mr.. Gladstone tor
the salvation of their country. It is also
worthy of note that since Mr.. Gladstone has
declared himself so emphatically on the
question, Mr.. Parnell has not been 50 promi-
nent. This is o theme of much comment
among members.
Of late Mr.. Parnell has not only been
com paratively quiet, but his now famous
speech on the Irish estimates show, that he
is much more conservative than he was,
This is taken to mean that he desires to do
nothing that will in any way hamper the
Grand Old Man." There is a strong love
between them and If life permits, they will
obtain home rule for Ireland sooner than
many people think.