The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-05-25
Gladstone Makes a Strong Speech
against the BalfOHr Bill.
SALISBURY URGING TROUBLE IN ULSTER.
The Conservative Premises Of Absolute Equality With
England DiTegarded- The Bill Passed to
the Second Reading.
Special to THE MORNING CALI

LONDON. May 24-The discussion on the
Irish local government bin was resumed to-
day In the Commons. Gladstone spoke at
great length. He said the House was In
singular position in discussing bill which
it vas improbable would be proceeded with.
In 1886 Chamberlain and Lord Harrington
promised Ireland everything short OF an
Independent Parliament Now, all these
promises are dissolved in the present
menger bill, which stamped Ireland with
inequality as compared with England and
Scotland, and falsifed the miserable relics
of the solemn pledge by which the present
majority was obtained by the Government
I'm 1886. Lord SalisbuTy's recent language
distinctly encouraged civil war. Definite
explanations ought TO be given whether the
Cabinet was generally of the same opinion
as the Premier. "Did the Ministers believe"
asked Gladstone, THAT The people of Ulster
would rebel against the decision of Parlia-
ment, or that the employment Of the powers
of the Crown TO suppress such a rebellion
would be such an outrage as would rend
society in two? If Lord Salisbury's
language meant anything it was plain In
citement Of a few misguided men TO resort
TO violence TO resist the authority of Pariia-
ment. These were the conditions that the
Irish members had offered them In the
stinted gift of the present bill"
Gladstone then at length examined the
leading provisions OF tie bill, and said II
stamped lTsland with inequality and inferi-
GRITTY in Withholding from her the power and
privileges that obtained in her sister coun-
tries. Gould il be possible" asked Glad
stone, TO conceive greater contempt for
history and disregard OF sound political
principlS? Coud the bill be called an
#ofr0 0-sAo efpF lie ee,fv fTs,r,z
a fair attempt 10 leGiSlate for Ireland?
Rather might il be called refuse political
legislation, The bill conferred o. the Lber-
ais one great advantage Ii gave the people
power to measure and determine exactly
the value Of the Pc did Conservative prom
ises Of absolute equality with the laws Of
Great Britain. Was Ireland wrong IN re-
jee.ing this measure? No. The stamp of
inequality was a brand Of degradation. II
Ireland was capable OF accepting measure
so stamped, she was unworthy OF the great
men who had led her In times Of adversely,
unworthy Of that happy, better destiny he
trusted and believed she was about to ac-
cOmplsh." fCheers
Balfour responded to Gladstone. He
RnalyZed and explained Lord Salisbury's
remarks, putting upon them a more favor
able Interpretation than that advanced by
Gladstone. Then, coming down TO he matter
of he bill, he urged that il was substantially
she same as the English and Scotch bill. If
there was q difference IL WAS due 10 the
peculiar conditions prevailing in Ireland.
The bill was opposed" said he. "s0lely
because it would not serve the purpose Of
the Irish agitaJors. What was the real aim
of the home-rulers? It WAS separation.
ECbeers AS for the opponents of the Uill
it would not do that for them. The G yern-
ment believed that local government wOald
be a great boon 70 tie population, knowing
how 10 use IT, and he Government desired
TO confer this boon on ireland. Tie issues
were clear on their side. Il rested with
Gladstone TO make his clear f'HeaT, hear
The Government had shown that it still
earnestly desired 10 accomplish what 1t
aimed TO do. What Gladstone desired to do
no human being knew"
The bill was passed 10 a second reading
by vote OF 339 to 247 amid great Conserya-
tive cheers. as they were delighted at the
solid majority. The only GladstOnians who
voted with the Government were Storey
and Villiers. The Liberals were dsap-
pointed at the result, blaming it on the ab-
senee Of so many Irish members. Out Of
% PsTnellites only Is voted, and out of 55
MeCarthYiteS only 3S voted.