The Irish Land Act Committee was, on Wednesday, the- scene
of a curious little quarrel. Mr. Justice Bewley, in the- course of his evidence, read a, letter addressed by hint to• Lord Justice FitzGibbon, and then proposed to read the Lord. Justice's reply, but to omit " a personal reference." Mr. Morley, as Chairman, concurred in this, but a majority of the- Committee, formed by a coalition of the Nationalist Members- with Mr. T. W. Russell, objected to this course, and decided that the letter should be read in Memo. Since the letter was- understood to reflect upon the value of the evidence given by- e witness (Mr. Bailey), this was clearly the right course to- pursue. If the letter had only been read in part, it might- have been supposed that there was cause for censure. Mr. Morley, however, chose to take the decision of the Committee• as a blow to his authority, and immediately adjourned the sitting, saying that he must reconsider his position. It was believed at first that the Chief Secretary would resign his- place as Chairman, but wiser views prevailed, and on Tuesday Mr. Morley consented to remain in the chair, Mr. T. W. Russell assuring him that his action in regard to Lord Justice Fitz Gib bon's letter was taken simply in the interest of the wit.. ness, and was in no way intended to set at nought the authority of the chair. The storm was rather of the teacup order.
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