New-York tribune., 1905-05-10
MR. WYNDHAM EXPLAINS.
Reasons for ResignatiOn-Liberal
Leader Moves Vote of Censure.

London May s.-George Wyndham who had been
absent owing to illness since his resignation OF the
Chief Secretaryship for Ireland, returned to the
House Of Commons this afternoon, and, before the
Introduction of vote of censure by Sir Henry
Campbell Bannerman the Irish policy of the
government made an explanation of the reasons for
his resignation. He said he had insisted retiring
from the Cabinet not the grounds of policy. but
because political and personal reasons had con-
vinced him that he could better serve the govern
ment as an unofficial member than Chief Secre-
tary for Ireland. His views had not changed in the
smallest degree in regard the Irish administra-
ton. The union must be the fundamental principle
Of any sound irish policy. Mr.. Wyndham thought
the scheme for devolutiOn in ways more
open TO criticism than even the plans for Homo
Rule itself
The situation in both Ireland and England had
become complicated by personal misunderstand-
ing for which he himself was partly to blame. He
had never contemplated any delegation of legisla-
tive power from the House Of Commons other than
the power of dealing with purely private bills.
Consequently he had paid attention, as he ought
to have done. to the earlier proceedings of the Re
form Association. Sir Antony Macdonnel. Under
Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
neousy believed that Mr.. Wyndham would ap-
prove the proposals of the devolution adherents.
but. he these proposals. he CMr.
Wyndham registered strong objections to them.
He had concluded that his power for doing further
useful work in Ireland ended.
Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman then rose and
moved his resolution which amounted to vote
Of censure of the policy and proceedings of the
Irish government. Sir Henry said the government
had attempted policy of impartial Irish adminis-
tration the lines of the Wyndhan- -AIacdonnell
letters. but had fled from it at the dictates of u
small party of Irish Cnionsts
After long criticism of the governments policy
Sir Henry concluded with remarking that. to
the future Irish policy, mutterings Of coercion
were heard If that proved to be the case. Eng
lishmen would learn that the real Separationists
We're the UniOnists. who first cajoled ireland and
then abandoned her.
The debate afforded opportunity for wide
William O'Brien, who took his seat for the first
either way. He held that the only way to settle
the Irish question was not by revoiuntary tactics
hut by conciiation and a peace conference in which
the best statesmen of England, Ireland and the
colonies should take part.
UnioniEt members uncomprOmSingly demanded
the retirement of Sir Antony MacdOnnell.
Premier Baifour reviewed the situation He de-
MED that the Earl of Dudley. Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland. had any leanings toward Home Rule. The
Premier defended Mr.. Wyndham. saying 1t
natural that he should seek to find some solution
or the Irish question. Mr.. Wyndham had failed,
but there had been many failures before. Sir
Henry Campbell Bannerman's resolution In reality
was intended as an attack upon Mr. Wyndham and
himself, which was absolutely untustifiable
II II. Asqufth LiberaD in closing the debate.
maintained that there reason for Mr. Wynd-
hams resignation which did not logically involve
met.
SIT henry Campbell -Bannermans resolution was
rejected by vote of SIS to 252.