THE GREAT LIBEL ACTION.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7124, 21 July 1888, Page 5

THE GREAT LIBEL ACTION.

EUMOURED STATE PROSECUTION OF PARNELL. MR GLADSTONE'S VIEWS. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Received July 20th. 1.40 p.m. London, July 17. It is rumored that in consequence of the disclosures of The Times libel action, the Government intends to initiate a State criminal prosecution against Parnell on a charge of being accessory to the Phoenix Park murders. Received July 20th, 2.10 p.m. London, July 19. Mr Gladstone, in speaking in the House of Commons, said it was cruelty to refuse Mr Parnell a Select Committee. The enquiry ought to be limited to definite issues. He considered Mr Parnell's approval of the retention of the Irish representatives in Parliament ought to remove the distrust now expressed at the Home Rule scheme. Received July 20th, 4.20 p.m. London, July 18. The Parnell Commission Bill provides for the appointment of three Judges to hear* the charges against him. London, July IS. Mr Gladstone has been entertained by Sir Wilfred Lawson. In referring to the County Government Bill he cordially commended its provisions. He considered that it was the duty of the House of Commons to enquire into the character of its members, and he objected to other persons being appointed to do so, and also to the scope of the proposed Times Commission.

Received July 20th, 10.45 p.m. London, July 19. The Times alleges that the celebrated letters produced at the late trial were merely secondary evidence. Received July 20th, 11 p.m. London, July 19. The members of the Union jparty express eurprise at Mr Parnell accepting the commission of Judges to hear the charges against him.