The Irish standard., 1894-05-12
THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

We find q dearth of British parlis-
mentary news in American papers at the
present time, and the weekly budget OF
intelligence from London correspond
ents is of the most meagre and contra
dictory character. 1t appears chat since
the resignation of Mr.. Gladstone, the
two noted correspondents OF the New
York Times and Tribune have changed
Sides G. w. Smalley Is an admirer of
Lord Rosebery, probably for the reason
that he is member of the aristocracy.
while Harold Frederic, though IN sym
pathy with the Liberal party, has no ex-
allied opinion of the new premier. Small
ey relates that Rosebery is growing more
popular every day, and that he is an as.
tute statesman who will keep at the helm
until tue Liberal program is enacted into
law in spite of the obstructive tactics of
the minority; Frederic says that the Lib.
eral party is cut up and that Rosebery
has but a dubious chance ct holding Of
fee long; that Harcourt is getting dis
couraged and will soon abandon the ship
and enter the House of Lords with
Speaker Peel.
During the past week Rosebery deliv-
cred three speeches, the most notable Of
them being at Manchester, in which he
condemned the Unionists for obstruct-
ing the business of Parliament and made
references to Home Rule which highly
gratifed the Irish members. According
to Smalley he declared his belief in the
loyalty of the Irish Nationalists and
,mmented ON the comparative freedom
of ireland from agrarian crime since
Gladstone came into office. Frederic
says that Rosebery's speeches fell Aat
and awakened no echoes anywhere, and
then adds: "They convey the sad effect
of man who realizes that his audiences
are listening TO him out of courtesy.
Their tone is strikingly different from
tho gay, witty, almost saucy sprightli-
ness Of speeches he was amusing gil
England with only six months ago, and
each week increases the number OF Lib
eral politicians who realize that he is
losing rather shan gaining ground
The registration bill has passed through
a second reading and will be of great
to the Liberal party if it is
not rejected by the peers. 1t disfran-
chises plural voters, mostly Unionists, to
the number of 100000 and gives the
franchise to large number OF working
men who are Liberals and Radicals.
John Morley has introduced measure
for the relief Of Irish evicted tenants
which is entirely satisfactory to the Nc
Carthyite party, but which John Red
mond takes exception to by way Of show
ing Independent opposition to British
politicians. The measure will apply to
5 900 holdings from which the owners
were evicted for non payment of rent
during the past five years. MIR. Morley
adopted the suggestions of Michael Dav-
lit in drafting the measure, and that fact
alone shows that it will afford the relief
sought, if it passes in it's present form.
On the whole, the Liberal party is try
ing it's best to fulfil its pledges 10 the
British democracy and the Irish people
in the face of strong opposition and with
a slim majority of 81, including the Red.
mondites who cannot be depended on in
an emergency, and who abstained from
voting on Unionist amendment to tine
registration bill with the result that the
ministerial majority was reduced to Il
In any event the Irish majority party
under the leadership of Justin MCCARTHY
will remain With the Liberals rs long as
the latter adhere to the policy Of Glad
stone, but we fear that Home Rule will
be delayed until change is made in
the composition Of the House OF Lords.