Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1892-02-24
BALFOUR's BILL.
Irish Local Government Measure
in the Commons.
Both Sections of the Parnciiit.s FicrceIy
Oppose 1.-THE Giadstonians DO Like
wise-Morisy Challenges the Cow
crnmcnt on the Issue


LONDON. Feb l9.--The Irish local
government bill, on which the ministry
has staked its fortunes. was introduced
Thursday night by Balfour. in speech
of considerable force The scheme met
with an extremely hostile reception
from both sections of the Irish party
and the Gladstonians Morley de-
nounced il as monstrous outrage and
imposture. John Redmond (Parnellitc)
was equally emphatic, and Justin Me-
carthy followed suit The support
from the unionist side was somewhat
lukewarm and weak.
Morley challenged the government,
amid tremendous cheers. To go TO the
country on this precious measure. The
ministerialists seemed for the moment
taken aback by the suddenness and in
science of the onslaught, and some
nervousness was clearly visible on the
faces of the leaders, but the measure
still has to be considered in detail, and
that is impossible just now. as it is not
even printed. 1t may improve upon
further acquaintance, but the new born
infant has come INTO n stormy world,
and met with an Arctic reception.
There undoubtedly existed large
body of people in Ireland who dreaded
measure of this kind. 1t was only
due to those persons to examine the
fear they entertained. They feared
the new system would result in ex-
travagance; possibly corruption. They
were afraid they would be plundered
and oppressed by the new bodies. Mr..
Balfour did not think there was
any weight TO these arguments
which would not stand the brunt
of hostile criticism In the first
county councils, he said. there
would be four ex-ofiicio mem bers, tho
lord lieutenant of the county, the
sheriff, n nominee of the grand jury
and a nominee of the presentment ses-
sions.
Mr.. Balfour said that the county
councils would have the combined du-
ties of county and presentment councils
and of grand juries regarding admin
istrative affairs. They will also be en-
powered. If necessary, to take over the
duties of rural sanitary authorities.
The councils will appoint the county
coroners. They will be empowered to
acquire woods and plantations, and
thus assist the operation of the land
purchase act. Thirteen existing munic-
Qualities will be made separate coun-
ties, having all the powers of counties.
The council, where n county is too
large, will be divided to correspond
with divisions of the county, each di-
vision clecting fifteer mem bers.
The system of franchises suggested,
said Mr.. Balfour would give the minor
ity vote in the county councils. The
councils might use their powers to OPP
press small minority, and might be
guilty of willful and persistent corrup-
ton Irish jeers). The history of Ire.
land proved that these remote dangers
had reality. Such dangers did not
exist in England, Provision was made
to allow twenty cess-payers to apply to
judge of assizes for leave to petition
for the removal of the councillors of a
barony or county Gronical opposition
cheers) on the ground that the council
ors were guilty of persistent disobedi.
ence of the law, corruption or oppres-
sion.