Mr Bradlaugh and the Irish Question.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4130, 27 September 1883, Page 4

Mr Bradlaugh and the Irish Question.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I do not know whether or no " Subscriber " is an Irishman, yet he seems very bitter against Mr Bradlaugh in connection with the Irish Question, which to me proves conclusively that he is ignorant of the real action of the junior memtor for Northampton. In the early part of 1878 Bradlaugh lectured in Ireland on the "Irish Question," one of which he concluded with a stirring appeal, of which I append the last few sentences :— "On behalf of Erin, wan, weary, and wretched, I plead to those who wield Eng. land's executive power to remember that exacting, fierce, legal vengeance for rebellion and sedition brings a halo of sanctity to the deeds of the punished, and shame to the memory of the executioner. And I write in hope that the plea of 'Justice for Ireland " will not be addressed in vain, and that the aristocracy, which boast its high culture, will show its true humanity, and throw open the long-closed floodgates of life to the despairing children of Erin." Regarding Mr Bradlaugh sitting and voting in Parliament, I affirm that he did both. The following are questions, dates, &c. :— January 7, 1881 : Amendment in address against coercion—For. January 25 : That precedence be given to Irish Question—For, February 3 : Suspension of Messrs Dillon, Parnell, O'Donnell, Finigan, Barry, Biggar, and others for one day—For. February 9 • Second reading of Coercion Bill—Against, February 10 : Amendment to Coercion Bill —For. And on 46 other occasions during February and March Mr Bradlaugh votea on questions touching the Coercion Bill,—l am, &c. S. P

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I would beg to correct a statement that appeared- in Tuesday* issue Mr Bradlaugh eat and voted in the House of Commons from the 2nd of July, 1880, to the 20th of March, 1881; he distinctly voted against every coercive measure brought in by the Government towards Ireland, the only measure he voted in favour of b»ing the Arms Act, not considering it safe to trust the people with arms in their then excited state.—l am, &c., Coxstant Reader, and Lover op Faib Play.