The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1893-04-26
HOME RULE VICTORY
1T PASSES SECOND READING.
Mr.. Balfour and Mr.. Gladstone Made
the Closing Speeches. Great
Enthusiasm.

The members of the house Of commons
rushed to their seats on Friday for the final
encounter over the second reading of the
Irish home-rue bill. Prime Minister Glad
stone, ms soon as he arrived was presented
with a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent from
Ireland and accompanied by tie inscription
"All blessings and power to the friend of
poor and distressed Ireland. May God pros
per you"
house VIM. o Brien (NationalistD, member
from Cork city, asked IL Mr.. Gladstone had
received resolution adopted and signed by
the mayor and alderman of Cork approving
the establishment of an Irish perllam. nj in
Dublin.
Mr.. Gladstone replied; "Yes. ! had much
pleasure in receiving the resolution all the
more as am informed that it expresses the
uniform views OF all corporate bodies in
Ireland"
Mr. 7, W. Russell. the Liberal member
who opposes home rule for Ireland and who
represents the south division of Tyrone
asked il Mr.. Gladstone knew that half the
members of the municipal council of Cork
were absent when the resolution was adopt
I'd.
NJ. o Brien sprang to his feet ana with
considerable vehemcnce said: THAT is not
iact.n
Mr. Gladstone calmly replied to Mr.. Rus
sells question: The resolution expresses
the feeling OF great majority OF the Irish
municipal councils" and added that the
home.rule bill was certain to pass its second
reading tonight and that ii would go to the
committee on May 4. This statement was
received with cheers by the supporters of
the measure.
- \
in opposition to the bill during most OF the
session. Early in the evening the debate
was monopolzed by minor members At
10 o'clock Mr.. Gladstone entered hurriedly
and was greeted with cheers. The members
began To return rapidly. At 1890 Mr.. Bal
four was received with cheers. All the mem.
bers had taken their places and the house
waited expectantly for the heavy guns of
the final debate on the second reading
Mr.. Balfour rose shortly before II o'clock
lie made long, eloquent and impassioned
speech IN opposition, closing with these
"lf you commit this great political crime
You make yourselves responsible for an ire
PARABLE national disaster auu all hopes OF
peaceful and united Ireland will vanish
forever"
Mr.. Gladstone rose and the cheering was
repeated, but not by the same throats. Like
Mr.. Balfour he was in splendid form. His
voice was clearer and fuller than before
during the session and his movements have
evidence OF unusual energy and earnestness
He said:
You cannot be surprised that we have
undertaken the solution of this great
question, and as on the one hand il is not
the least OF the arduous efforts of tnelberal
party, SO, on the other hand, it " i'll have its
place in history-aye, and not remote but
early historv-as not the least durable
fruitful and blessed among its accomplished
acts"
Before the cheering ceased George Bart
ley, Conservative for North lslington, rose
TO continue the debate. Mr. Morley, chief
secretary for Ireland, moved the closure aud
II was adopted. Then the mem mbers divided
and soon followed the announcement that
the bill had passed the second reading by
vote OF 347 TO 30l, which was the signal for
more cheers and hat waving. There was
another demonstration when Mr.. Gladstone
left the house Crowds had gathered out
side the building and as the prime minister
rode away he was followed by their cheers.
The division was taken On strict party
lines. Every Nationalist member voted
with the majority. The dissident Liberals.
to man, went with the opposition, The
prince of Wales remained until the result of
the division was announced