The Irish standard., 1907-05-11
The Bill Introduced Confers Little Self Gov
eminent on Ireland and is Approved
by no Party.
Redmond Delivers Brilliant Speech in Sup
port of Ireland's Claims For Com
plete Home Rule.

LOnQOn, May I.-lHe SoVei eii11ilSaI w.
day presented it's long awaited Irish
bill to the house of commons and the
country. This bill is designed to meet
the demands for Irish home rule. 1t
was presented by the chief secretary
Tor Ireland, Mr.. Birrell, to a crowded
house.
Prior to the appearance Of this mea-
sure it was popularity termed a. "devo-
tuition BILL" but today it is referred
to as the Irish bill'' or even the "home
rule"
Compared with the home rule bills
Of 1886 and 1906 the measure of to-
day confers little self-government up.
on Ireland, merely giving to the coun-
ell control Of the eight departments
now managed by government boards.
The twenty-four members of the coun-
Gil are to be appointed by the crown
and while the lord lieutenant of Ireland
Is given power to nullify its measures
the crown retains control of five of the
eight departments, including the con-
8 stabulary. The control of this branch
always has been a thorn in the flesh
Of the Irish people.
1t is natural and quite to be expected
that this halfway measure is wholly
pleasing to no political party. The
Unionists regard it as a step toward
home rule. They object to giving to
Ireland the management of many de-
partments Of local affairs while the
Irish members of the house Of COM
similar affairs for England and Scot
land. They criticize also the plan of
government by a council through eight
committees as complicated and cum
bersome.
The Radicals are disappointed that
the measure falls so short of actual
home rule and the Irish members are
even more disappointed with it. The
Irish leaders, however, are maintaining
a diplomatic attitude until they have
time to study the provisions of the bill
and learn the sentiment of the people.
A Nationalist convention will be held
in Dublin soon to decide upon the poll
Icy of the Irish party. The Laborites
will support the measure because they
are all home rulers. To prevent the
first reading of the bill being deferred
until tomorrow, and while Walter
Hume Long was still speaking, Mr..
Birrell moved the closure.
Then, amid great uproar and pro-
tests and shouts Of gag" the closure
was carried by Az votes to 121. and
the bill passed its first reading by 41e
votes to 121.
The house then adjourned.
After the bill had been presented
and explained by Mr. Birrell, it was
criticised and ridiculed by A. J. Bal
four on behalf of the opposition. John
e. Redmond then delivered brillia Mt
speech. noteworthy principally for its
dtgnified and forceful exposition of Ire
lands claims for complete home rule
The audience of the speakers was
worthy of the historical and parlia-
mentary occasion. The entire ministry
occupied seats on the front benches,
Mr.. Balfour lounged in his character
istic. languid attitude opposite, with
George Wyndham, the former chief
secretary for Ireland. beside him.
The floor of the house was packed
and the galleries held a. notable as
eemblage, including a number of peers
the visiting colonial premiers. notably
Alfred Deakin. premier of Australia
and several bishops. W. Bourke Cock
ran of New York was an interested
spectator. Members of the Irish clergy
we're conspicuous in the galleries.
Mr.. Birre1l has the mannerisms Of q
college professor rather than the graces
Of q popular orator. Most of his speech
d.