THE PARNELL CHARGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9112, 21 July 1888, Page 5

THE PARNELL CHARGES.

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. CONNECTION WITH THE PHCENIX PARK MURDERS. EXPECTED CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. [press association.] London, July 17. It is rumoured that, in consequence of the disclosures in the Times libel action, the Government intend to initiate a State criminal prosecution against Parnell on a charge of being an accessory to the Phoenix Park murders. The Bill providing for the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the Times' charges against Parnell was read a first time in the House of Commons to-day. Mr. Parnell angrily refused to say whether he would accept or reject the appointment of a Commission until the Bill had been circulated among the members of the House.Oontinuing, he said no Government ought to nominate a tribunal and then, fix the terms with reference to it. He accused the Government of being an accomplice of the Times, and compared them to butchers, the Parnellites being the sheep for slaughter.

London, July 18. The Times alleges that the celebrated letters produced at the late trial were merely secondary evidence. London, July 19. Mr. Gladstone, 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. ParnelPs approval of the retention of Irish representatives in Parliament ought to remove the distrust now expressed at the Home Rule scheme. The members of the Union party express surprise at Mr. Parnell accepting a commission of judges to hear the charges against him. The Parnell Commission Bill provides for the appointment of three Judges to hear the charges against him. Mr. Gladstone has been entertained by Sir Wilfrid Lawson. In referring to the County Government Bill, he cordially commended it. He considered that it was the duty of the House of Commons to inquire 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.