The San Francisco call., 1897-06-24
IRELAND IN THE JUBILEE YEAR

In the reign of Queen Victoria the dark
spot has been the Irish question; but to-
day, it is pleasing to note, the prospects
ahead are better than ever for a satisfac-
tory settlement of the grievances of the
people of the Emerald Isle. 1t is to De re-
gre tied that England has not granted to
Ireland system of home rule similar to
that enjoyed in Canada and Australia.
but tendency toward such a consumm ma
tion seems to be discernible in the present
advanced policy of the Conservative
leaders.
Mr.. Arthur Balfour has come TO be re-
garded as one of Ireland's best friends in
the House of Commons. When he un-
folded to the members of that body re-
Gently an Irish programme of far reaching
character the applause upon the floor of
the House was reported TO be unan-
imous. Liberal and Tory agreed that
the measures proposed were excellent and
Just such as the case demanded, and
every section of Irishmen cneered Mr..
Balfour's utterances. Carson, Sanderson.
Healy and Redmond are quoted as saying
that no statement of governmental policy
on the Vexed question has been received
with so universal expression of agreement
as Mr.. Balfour's.
The programme will, if carried out to
the letter, launch local government in
Ireland under circumstances which will
enable 1t to work smoothly and safely for
all classes. Last year, on account of the
terrible agricultural depression, the Gov
eminent remitted hall the rates on agri-
cultural land in Great Britain, but The
old rates were exacted from Ireland.
which IS an agricultural country. All
iair-minded men condemned such action.
and the London Times stigmat zed Sir
Micnael Hicks-Beach' defense of the
shabby treatment as tine extraordinary
contention that Irish agriculture has not
shared in the depression produced here by
the continuous fall in prices and the in
creasiHg siringency of foreign competi-
ton" Mr.. BalfouI's programme provides
for the redress OF the garing grievance
under the agricultural rating act By
its terms the Unionist pledge with regard
to local government is to be redeemed on
Unionist lines; and Irelands claim TO
COMPENSATION as sufferer from the Brit
ish fiscal system is recognized.
Under the new system both landlord
and tenant will be benefited, so that from
no quarter will there be opposition. The
imperial Government will pay half the
poor rate. The landlord now paws it as
his liability for agricultural land. The
tenant will be relieved by the payment of
half his assessment out of the imperial
funds.
Thus it will be seen that jubilee time is
not without its rainbow of promise for
the people of Ireland. If the measures
proposed by Mr.. Bafour are put into
effect in the near future there will be an
Infinitely better feeling toward the throne
and the Government in the land of Grat-
tan, OConnell and Psrnell, and Ireland.
instead of being anything akin to a men
ace, may become one of the strong sup
ports of the empire. We're Victoria to
close her reign with the complete pacifica.
ton of Ireland, binding the Irish people
to her by bonds OF gratitude and affection.
there could be no exception to the full
ness OF the glory of her long sway.