12 JUNE 1886, Page 2

After this, Sir Michael's speech became less exciting, but it

was one of the best he ever delivered. Mr. Gladstone's second reading, to be followed by a withdrawal of the Bill, would have the effect, he said, of discrediting the existing system of govern- ment in Ireland, without suggesting what should be put in its place. The effect of the Bill was to part completely with the authority of the Imperial Parliament over Irish affairs, without even gaining greater freedom in dealing with Imperial affairs, since in relation to all these affairs the Irish Members were to be retained, and a principle of confusion must be introduced into Parliamentary procedure by the attempt to discriminate between Imperial and non-Imperial business, which would hopelessly paralyse the central power.