Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1892-08-12
The Great English Statesman
Makes a Ringing Speech
in Parliament.
Attitude of the Government on
Irish Affairs Criticised by the
Liberal Leader.
His Followers Assured That
Home Rule Has First Place
on the Programme.

LONDON, Aug. 1O.-Wild cheers
greeted Mr.. Gladstone when he arose in
parliament to speak in the debate on the
queens address. When the applause
subsidized Mr.. Gladstone said that there
was just cause in complaint against the
government for having embarked the
house on an utterly barren and anoma-
lous debate.
Hitherto the queens speech had al
ways admitted that the result of gen.
eral action was binding and conclusive.
"Now," added Mr.. Gladstone, "we find
the decision of the country challenged
by the government, and this house has
met to discuss it does not know what" :"
Mr.. Gladstone went on to say that the
criticisms of the other side on the COM
position of the Liberal majority struck
at the root of the constitution. Should
the idea be generally adopted it would
be a blow at parliament and at the
nation. The Liberal majority doubtless
had Irish votes for basis, but under
the circumstances this was rather q
recommendation than q ground for
assailing the right for such majority
to represent the people.
Mr.. Gladstone denied that the govern
ment had succeeded in pacifying Ire
land. The land bill of 1887, he said,
was doubtless of benefit, but the gov-
ernment's Irish rule on the whole had
been hateful failure. The Liberals
believed as strongly as anyone in firm
administration Of the law, but they also
believed that the law ought to harmon
ize with the opinions of the people
Therefore, said Mr.. Gladstone, he
trusted that the coercion act would not
remain any longer than necessary on the
statute book. Mr.. Gladstone intimated
that November session was impossible,
but he assured his followers that home
rule for Ireland still had the first
place on the programme. Pledges to
release the prisoners held on
charges of having been implicated in
dynamite could only be given by re-
sponsible ministers. He trusted that
evicted tenants would be reinstated in
the autumn by voluntary settlement
between them and their landlords on
the principles of the Liberal proposals.
Home rule, said Mr.. Gladstone, it was
| pretty well known, was based on the
maintenance of the supremacy of the
imperial parliament. Ireland would
have full and effective control of her
own concerns. (Cheers.)
When home rule bill should be pre-
sented to the house of lords they would
have before them the most important
question ever submitted to their house,
and question of the deepest interest
to themselves. If the lords should
reject the bill the government
would be compelled to resign. He
would decline to say more on that SUBJ
ject at present. Other Irish legislation
would not be neglected. Mr.. Gladstone
said, in conclusion, that the Liberal and
Irish policy was based on true union
| of heart and sentiment which was the
truest basis Of strength at home and of
strength and good fame throughout the
civilized world.
Others Take q Hand.
Mr.. Balfour followed Mr.. Gladstone.
He maintained that the house had a
right to know before entrusting the
government to the Liberals what their
policy was, especially when the party
upon which Mr.. Gladstone relied was
broken into at least three divisions, each
owning a different leader. Referring to
the policy Of the present government
Mr.. Glandstone said that that would be
judged by historians. Assured as to
what the verdict would be he would
neither anticipate nor defend it.
Mr.. Harrington said he had listened to
some Of Mr.. Gladstone's remarks with
anxiety. He felt bound to warn the Lib
erals that some questions required i'm
mediate attention. He regretted Mr..
Gladstone's scant dismissal Of the case
Of eyicted tenants. They had borne the
brunt Of the battle and had made the
greatest sacrifices for their class. He
did not think their case presented an In
superable difficulty Again IL ( the
anssssY question was neglected itwould