The San Francisco call., 1897-03-30
LIVELY DEBATE
IN THE COMMONS
Unjust Taxation in Ireland
Causes Some Interest.
ing Speeches.
Redmond Says the Appointment
of a New Commission Is
an Evasion.
Finally a Motion Is Made to Reduce
Premier Salisbury's Salary, but
It Is Defeated.

LONDON, ENG, March 29.-In the House
of Commons to-day Hon. Edward Blake,
Nationalist mem Der for the South Division
of Longford. opened the debate on the
financial relations between Ireland and
Great Britain by introducing motion for
the relief of the taxpayers of Ireland, con-
tending that the contribution OF Ireland
to the treasury of Great Britain was un-
justly disproportionate.
Mr. Blake added that the report of the
ommittee on the financial relations be-
tween Great Britain and Ireland had
proved that the latter country was unduly
taxed. It was the duty of the Govern
ment to take early steps for the adoption
of remedial legislation.
Mr.. Redmond (Parnellite) second ed Mr..
Blake's motion. He said that the ap-
pointment of the new commission was q
dishonest evasion and was intended to
shelve the question for an indefinite time,
but it would result in Fastening OF the
day when Ireland would find in her Ma
tional Government the best safeguard
against further spoliation.
Thomas P. Whitaker (LiberaD moved
that while the exchequers of Great
Britain and Ireland are made consoli-
dated all portions OF the United King
dom must be regarded as one country for
fiscal purposes. This motion was Sec
onded by Thomas Waring, member for
the north DIVISION of County Downs, who
is classed as ''constitutionalist and i'm
perialist"
Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Chancellor OF
the Exchequer, in behalf of the Govern
ment said that the opposition ascribed
verything wrong in Ireland for the past
century TO Great Britain. In 1917 the
IRISH and English debts had been consoli-
dated and the e1chequers Of both coun-
tries amalgamated. The act had been
passed by Parliament by a unanimous
vote, because it was felt that it would be
a great relief to Ireland. He denied the
stories of the poverty and misery that
was said to prevail in Ireland.
Continuing. Sir Michael declared that a
system of taxation based upon taxable
capacity was never successful owing to
constantly varying conditions in all parts
Of the kingdom.
Sir Michae further said that If the Gov
eminent restored to Ireland the e. $40. 600
she claimed was the excess of taxation
she Tad paid she would contribute MOTH
ing to the common expenditure OF the
United Kingdom, but would receive trib-
ute from England and Scotland. There
would be a further inquiry into the matter
of the financial relations between Great
Britain and Ireland, the Government de-
string TO do full justice, but it would in no
wise depart from the system established
in 1877. The debate was then adjourned.
The House subsequently went into COM
mittee of supply, whereupon the Hon.
Philip Stanhope, Radical mem Der for Bur-
ney, moved to reduce the salary OF Prime
Minister Salisbury, his object being to
call attention to Crete. A warm debate
ensued.
The Right Hon. George N. Curzon. Par
liamentary Secretary of the Foreign Office.
warmly repelled the charge made by Mr..
Stanhope that the Government was siding
with Turkey. The charge, he declared,
was grossly untrue. Crete, he added, had
been taken from TURKEY, whose troops
were confined to the towns on the coast
and she had been preven ted from sending
re-enforcements to the islands.
At this point one of the Irish membsrs
shouted Tommy Rot" The Speaker
warned him that he must not repeat that
expression. Mr.. Curzon was frequently
interrupted in the course of his speech,
chiefly by members of the Irish benches.
Sir Charles Dixie, Radical mem ber for
the Forest of Dean division, said he be-
lieved that the Governments policy in the
Cretan matter had caused profound dis
satisfaction in Great Britain.
Sir Ellis Ashmead Bartlett Conserva-
tive. who was recently decorated by the
Sultan, taunted John Dillon, leader of the
anti ParneIlites, who had spoken against
the course of the Government, with advo-
eating the manning of cattle and at the
same time posing as Christian philan-
thropist.
A vote was taken on Mr.. Stanhope's
motion and it was rejected. 1853 to 80.