New-York tribune., 1905-02-22
BALF0UR AGAIN UPHELD.
IRISH MOTION BEATEN.
BEATEN.
Governments Majority Reduced to
Fifty Votes Debate.

London. Feb. 21-John E Redmond's amend
ment to the address in reply to the Speech from
the Throne was defeated in the House of Com
mons tonight by a vote of 2S6 to 236 after an
exhaustive debate occupying two days The
amendment declared that the present system of
government Of Ireland was opposed to the will
of the Irish people The debate showed that all
agreed that the present system of government
of Ireland is unsatisfactory, but there was
distinct disagreement concerning methods by
which discomfort might be abated and Ireland
cease to be a disturbing element in the politics
of the United Kingdom.
At the opening of the discussion to-day John
Dillon and Timothy Healy supported the amend
ment Mr.. Kenyon-Slaney referred to alleged
statements of Irish-Americans that they had
killed the Anglo-American arbitration treaty.
Mr.. Healy, replying, said:
God bless the Irish n America! They are
faithful TO their country, regardful of it's in
terests, and are determined that if you make a
treaty of peace with the United States it shall
be abiding and lasting.
Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman began his
speech by saying that he supported the policy
of thorough fundamental alteration of the
whole system Of Irish government" The Irish
people, he said, deserved better government
springing from themselves and controlled by
them.
The Premier, Mr.. Balfour. in winding up the
debate, said that every Unionist and every one
of his Ministers agreed that the broad lines now
existing to the government of ireland were
not lines that should be preserved.
Beyond these expressions neither the leader of
the Opposition the Premier committed him
self concerning Home Rule. Sir Henry Campbell
Bannerman supported Mr. Redmond's amend
ment in the division, but he was unable to Sc
cure the support of a sufficient number to
achieve the real object of the amendment-the
defeat of the Unionist government.
The second days debate brought out no strik-
ing speeches Through the afternoon and night
Sir Antony MacDonnell Mr.. Wyndham and the
Earl of Dudley the chief centres around
which the attack and defence turned. Sir Henry
Campbell -Bannerman demanded the publication
of the correspondence between Mr.. Wyndham
and Sir Antony. Mr.. Balfour said he profoundly
regretted the misunderstanding, but refused to
entertain the suggestion that it touched in the
smallest degree the honor of any of the prin-
ctpas concerned.
Mr.. Balfour's speech was frequently inter-
rupted by hooting from Irish members, and the
Speaker obliged to intervene to request or
der, while Mr.. Balfour, who calmly waited until
the disturbance over, on one occasion said
that he not being treated with the courtesy
which had been extended to Irish members. Re
ferring to Lord Hugh Cecis statement that
Home Rule dead, he said that at least he
buried decenty He viewed without fear the end
of the battle If the great party in favor of
union remained undivided but it was vital that
all smaller controversies should be sunk in this
great national and imperial issue.
The announcement OF the division, showing an
Unexpectedly large reduction of the govern
ments majority. was greeted with prolonged
Opposition and Irish cheers.
The division was party lines Seventy
four Nationals voted with the Liberals in favor
OF the amendment the reduction of the govern
ments majority to fifty being due TO the alb
stention OF number of Irish Unionists from
voting, and to W. T. Russell. with four other
Irish Unionists. voting against the government
Sir Edward Carson, Conservative member for
Dublin University, used his utmost efforts in
the lobby to prevail upon these angry Ulstermen
to support the government but without sue
cess.
An incident of the debate the apparent
reconciliation of the odtime enemies, John
Dillon and Timothy Healy. Mr.. EeaIy, who
made the most telling and brilliant speech of the
debate, when Mr.. Dillon rose to speak vacated
his favorite corner seat in favor of Mr.. Dillon
and subsequently handed him glass of water
while he speaking. Mr.. Dillon's speech was
a vigorous effort, and showed that his health
had been completely restored.
Nothing has been allowed to gain publicity
concerning the Cabinet council, but 1t is as
sumed that the threatened resigna tions have
been withheld