The Home Secretary addressed his constituents in an open- air
meeting at Great Barr, Birmingham, last Saturday. He said that the Opposition had succeeded in postponing the Irish Land-Purchase Bill, but that there was no Bill which ought more thoroughly to combine all parties in its support, intended as it is to create a large class of peasant-proprietors in Ireland, and to effect what no Government has yet attempted, the relief of the over-populated, or, as it is called, " congested " districts of the West Coast. The Parnellites are, however, determined that no benefit shall be conferred on Ireland by the Imperial Parliament, if they can help it. Nevertheless, the Session had not been wasted. The settle- ment with Germany as to Africa was one of great importance, and this had been approved by the country. An Act had been passed by which the houses of the working classes would be ren- dered healthier ; a useful Allotments Amendment Act had been passed ; the provisions for making English soldiers' barracks more convenient and wholesome, at a considerable cost to the country, had been carried through ; the Tea-duty had been diminished, and the excessive pressure on the rates lightened by contributions from the Imperial taxes. A vastly improved Education Code had received the sanction of the nation; education would be taken up again next year, and a great burden would be taken off the parents by rendering assistance in the payment of fees ; and this great work, with the passing of the postponed Bills, would supply plenty of labour for the next Session.
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