At the annual conference of the National Liberal Union, held
at Huddersfield on Tuesday, Lord Selborne made a speech which, if it contained nothing very new, was full of the good sense and moderation which the public always expects from the clear-headed and conscientious lawyer who conferred so much moral weight and authority on Mr. Glad- stone's two great Administrations. To begin with, Lord Selborne quoted from a pamphlet by Mr. T. W. Russell some striking statistics as to the improvement which has taken place in Ireland under the present Government. In 1880, the agrarian crimes numbered 2,584; in 1888, only 660. On August 31st, 1887, just after the passing of the Crimes Act, there were 4,556 boycotted persons in Ireland ; at the end of last year, there were but 712. In 1880, there were 946 evictions; last year, only 773, the majority of these being due to the "Plan of Campaign." Though in- clined with Mr. Bright to doubt the wisdom of wholesale purchase, Lord Selborne is evidently prepared to leave the matter to the Ministry, who really know the facts, and who will probabably decide for a thoroughgoing scheme of expropriation. The wiser heads in Ireland are struck by the discontent that has arisen among the tenants who have not been able to purchase under the Ashbourne Act. To see his neighbours helped to the freehold, and a reduction of 4s. in the pound made in the rent at the same time, is more than a yearly occupier can stand without grumbling. Partial purchase is too apparently unjust to be practicable.
