NEWS OF THE WEEK.
LORD SALISBURY made a speech at Rossendale on Wednesday. It was very able, very satirical, and unsatisfactory only in the absence of any definite guidance to public opinion, which the recent revelations have almost paralysed. We have quoted its governing sentences else- where, and need only mention here that the Premier ,grew almost passionate in his denunciation of the pro- posal to retain 32 Irish Members at Westminster after Home-rule had been conceded. He pointed out that they could incessantly upset Governments. " Lord Derby's Govern- mont was upset on one occasion by 13; I think on another, by 19. Mr. Gladstone's was upset by a majority of 11; think Lord Palmerston's by 22. As far as I recollect, Mr. Gladstone was defeated on a Bill, which practically brought on his resignation, by a majority of 3." He went on with a fierce and indiscreet description of the Irish Members as re- vealed in recent proceedings, and concluded with this most remarkable sentence :—" I think you will agree with me that if ever such a legislation finds its place upon the Statute- book, by any strange and extravagant influence of chanee, we shall feel that not only is it an injustice, but so gross and un- dignified, that we will leave no rest to the Government or to Parliament, under any circumstances, or for any cause what- ever, until this great disgrace is swept away from the Statute- book „On which it is placed."
Previous page
