Mr. T. P. O'Connor, who at last replied to Mr.
Forster, and whose speech was so delivered as to win a great many cheers not only from the Irish, but from the Conservative benches, charged Mr. Forster with tolerating the existence of the Land League far too long, if be really entertained the opinion of its outragemongering which he had expressed. It was put down eventually under the ordinary law, but not till many months after the Land Act had been passed, in spite of the Chief Secretary's firm belief that it was engaged in spreading terror- ism and murder all over Ireland. He taunted Mr. Forster with keeping the leaders of the Land League, after their imprison. ment, in complete ignorance of the statements in. the Press for which he now held them responsible ; and declared that Mr. Parnell is gaining power in Ireland with every week and day, and that the next general election will verify that power in the most ample manner. Lord Hartington then concluded the debate, with a warm vindication of the conduct of the Govern- ment in releasing Mr. Parnell, and a good deal of ridicule of the attempt which had been made to make Mr. Gladstone responsible for Mr. Herbert Gladstone's rather impartial attitude towards Home-rule.
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