The Irish standard., 1893-02-18

Eupply more table OF contents The +
sill, il he did, would probably bewilder
ais bearers. He would rather seek to
present the salient points.
1t would be remembered that the bill |
II 1886 laid down five propositions as
cardinal principles to which be had en-.
leavored to closely adhere. Change
There was, but not q trenchant change, |
he declared, from the principles of 1886.
The object OF the bill remained as in
1886, to establish legislative body in
Dublin for the conduct Ct both legisla-
ton and administration in Irish, as dis
tinct from imperial affairs. [Cheersl
The limiting conditions which were
then observed, and have since, so far as
we we're able to do, been seduously and
closely observed. were these: We were
to do nothing inconsistent with imperial
unity. OF this I say whatever our OPP
ponents may say, that so far as our con.
victions and intentions are concerbed,
they would be but feebly stated by being
couched in the declaration that we do
not mean to impair it. We mean to
strengthen it. Cheers] We wish to
give it greater intensity than it had ever
yet possessed. First then, imperial unity
is observed; secondly, the equality of all
the kingdom would be borne in mind;
thirdly, there would be equitable repara-
ton of imperial charges; fourthly, any
and every practicable provision for the
protection of minorities would be in
cludod. The plan proposed ought to be
such at to present the necessary charac-
teristics of real and continued settle
ment.
HE OUTLINES HIS PLAN.
What is the essence of the act of
union? Hear, hear.] That essence is to
be appreciated by comparing the consti
tuition of things found in the country
before 1900, with the constitution of
things now subsisting in England. Be.
fore 1900 We had two sovereignties in the
country; one of those was collectively
lodged in the king, the House of Lords
and Com mons in England, and the other
lodged in the king and Lords and Com
mons of Ireland There was no more
right in a true historical and IT,. al sense
in the sovereignty residing in Great Bri-
tain to interfere with the sovereignty of
Ireland than there was IN the sovereignty
of Ireland to interfere with the sover-
eighty of England. This bill respects
and maintains these rights of sover-
eighty equally, throughout the entire
range of the three kidgdoms.
Then the bill constitutes the Irish
legislature. Power is granted to the
Irish legislature, which consists, first of
all, of q legislative council; secondly, of a
legislative assembly empowered to make
laws for the peace, order and good gov
eminent of Ireland and in respect to
matters exclusively relating to Ireland or
a part thereof. That power is subject to
q double limitation. First of ell, it is
subject to necessary and obvious limita
tions imposing certain incapaeities on
the Irish parliament, including all that
relates to the crowp;s regency or the
vice-royalty. The subjects of peace and
war, public defense, treaties and foreign
relations. dignities, titles, laws and
treason do not belong to the Irish legis-
lature. The law of alienage does not be-
long to it, nor everythingthat belongs to
external trade-the coinage and other
subjects.
Other incapacities are imposed similar
to these obtained in the bill of 1886.
These provide for the security Of reli
gious freedom in which we endeavored
to borrow one of the modern amend
ments of theAmerican constitution. Then
coming to exclusive powers, we retain
the viceroyalty of Ireland, but we divest
it of the party character heretofore
borne, by making the appointment run
six years, subject to the revoking power
of the crown. Then also the post is
freed from all religious disability.
(Cheers).
THE POWERS OF THE vICERoY.
Then comes clause which may be
considered formal, although it is of
great Importance, providing for the full
aevolution of executive power from the
upon the viceroy. Then comes
an important provision for the appoint
ment of an executive committee of the
privy council of Ireland. We propose to
make this an executive council for the
affairs of the cabinet of the
7iceroy. The question arises, shall there
De any legislative council? All decided
hat there ought to be such council. It
las appeared to us to, be highly incon-
,enient to alter the numbers Of the legis,
alive assembly. If we we're to increase
he number we do not know what the
Increase ought to be. If we we're to re-