The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1892-02-27
BALFOUR'S BILL
Irish Local Government Measure
in the Commons.
Both Sections of the ParneIlItes Fiercely
Oppose 1.-THE Gladstonians DO Like
wiso--M Morley Challenges the Cow
ernment ON the Issue.

LONDON, Feb. 19.-The Irish local
government bill, on which the ministry
has staked its fortunes, was introduced
Thursday night by Balfour, in n speech
of considerab BILE force The scheme met
with an extremely hostile reception
from both sections of the Irish party
and the Gladstonians. Morley de-
nounced it as Il monstrous outrage and
imposture. John Redmond (Parnellite)
was equally emphatic, and Justin Nc
carthy followed suit The support
from the unionist side was somewhat
lulsewarm and weak.
Morley challenged the government,
amid tremendous cheers, to go to the
country on this precious measure. The
ministerialists seemed for tho moment
science of tho onslaught, and some
nervousness was clearly visible on tho
faces OF the leaders, but the measure
still has to I've 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 stormy world,
and met with an Arctic reception.
There undou btedly existed a large
body of people in Ireland who dreaded
a measure of this kind. 1t was only
due to those persons to examine the
fear they entertained. They feared
tho now 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-officio members, the
lord lieutenant OF the county, the
sheriff, nominee of the grand jury
and a nominee of the presentment ses-
siona
Mr. Balfour said that the county
councils would have tho combined du.
ties of county and presentment councils
and of grand juries regarding admin.
istrative affairs. They will also DO en-
powered. If necessary, to take over the
duties OF rural sanitary authorities.
Tho councils will appoint the county
coroners. They will he empowered to
acquire woods and plantations, and
TINS assist the operation Of the land
purchase act. Thirteen existing munic-
ipalities will be made separate coun-
ties, having all the powers OF counties.
The council, where q county is too
large will be divided 70 correspond
with divisions of the county, each di.
vision electing fifteer members.
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 op.
press n small minority, and might be
guilty of willful and persistent corrup.
tion (Irsh jcers) The history of Ire.
land proved that these remote dangers
had a reality. Such dangers did not
exist in England, Provision was made
to allow twenty cess-paycrs to apply to
judge of assizes for leave to petition
for the removal of the councillors of a
barony or county (ironical opposition
cheers) on the ground that the council
ors were guilty of persistent disobedi.
ence of the law, corruption or oppres-
sion.