The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-02-19
ANOTHER IRISH MEASURE.
Balfour Introduces His New Local Cover
unenf Rili and Fxplasus Rrovfslons

Balfour Introduces His New Local Govern
ment Bill and Explains Its Provisions.
LONDON, Feb. 16-The long-talked-of
local Irish government bill was introduced
In the Commons to-day by Mr.. Balfour.
amid cheers of the government supporters.
In introducing the bill Mr.. Balfour said
that ever since the formation of the pres
ent govern ment, and even before. the ex-
tension of local government 20 every part
of the United Kingdom had been q cardinal
point of the Conservatives Policy. That
intention. he declared, had been constantly
adhered to and reiterated since by the
government. They had introduced local
government bills for England aud Scot
land. IL they had not done the same
for Ireland IL must have been be-
cause great specific and obvious dangers
attended such course. The present bill
was not merely county councils bill, but
it was what In England would be described
as n DISTRICT aud counties bill. BY its pro-
visions administrative duties viii be given
TO baronial councils. leaving wholly un-
touched tho judicial duties now intrusted
TO the grand jury. The members OF the
county and baronial councils will be elected
every three years. The government pro-
posed following the Scotch rather than the
English measure in the matter of alder
men. There undoubtedly existed largo
body of people IN Ireland who dreaded a
measure of this kind. IL was only due 10
those persons 10 examine the fear they
entertained. They feared the new system
would result In extravaganza. possibly cor
ruption. 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, be SAID, there
would be four ex officio membership
lord lieutenant of the county. the sherin,
q nominee Of the grand jury and a nominee
OF the presentment sessions lhe qnali-
fications of voters for county councilmen
and baronial councilmen would be ident-
icaL The persons entitled TO vote for both
sets of officers would be the same as those
having the right TO vote for members OF
Parliament, except that the former would
include also women and peers. Laughter
Iliiterate persons and persons who did not
pay county taxes would have no vote.
POWER OF COUNTY COUNCILS.
Mr. Balfour said that the country coun-
ellis would have the combined duties OF
county and presentment councils. and OF
grand juries regarding administrative af-
fairs. They will also be empowered. il
necessary, Co take over the duties of rural
sanitary authorities. The councils will ap-
point the county coronerS They will 20
empowered TO acquire woods and planta-
tions, and thus assist the operation of the
land purchase act Thirteen exciting mu-
nicipal borougbs will be made separate
counties. having all the power Of counties.
The council where county - too large
will be divided 10 correspond with di-
visions of the county. each division elect
ing fifteen members.
The system of franchise suggested. said
Mr.. BaIfour would give the minority Q
vote IN the ounty councils lhe couneils