The Irish Members are always most successful when they ask
for money. On Wednesday, Mr. Blake moved the second reading of a Bill ordering that a quarter of a million should be granted from the remaining funds of the Irish Church to improve the harbour accommodation of Irish fisheries. Mr. Forster supported the application, as without harbours the big boats, made necessary by the Atlantic storms, could not be employed. Mr. Courtney, however, objected, on behalf of the Treasury, alleging that the Church Fund was nearly exhausted, that the scheme had not been thought-out, and that the money would be scattered use- lessly among seventy harbours. It was, therefore, believed that the Government would resist the grant, but the " whipping," as usual, was bad, it was whispered that the Government would be defeated by a majority of twenty-seven, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, rising, said he would assent to the proposal, if the Church Fund could supply the money. The second reading, therefore, passed without a division. If Irish fisheries are benefited, the money is well bestowed ; but will they be ? Experience does not make us hopeful.
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