MR. BALFOUR AND THE PARNBLLITES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9445, 16 August 1889, Page 3

MR. BALFOUR AND THE PARNBLLITES.

TO THE EDITOIt. Sir,—The report of the scene, in the House of Commons published by you today is strong evidence, if such were needed, that Mr. Balfonr is proving himself the Jonah of his party, who bids fair to lead them to shipwreck. To systematically insult and browbeat, the Irish members, to openly avow that he despises the Irish people, is a species of statesmanship savouring of lunacy, and altogether opposed to the snirit of conciliation by which the Irish, of all races, might be won. Mr. Balfour, we are told, in answer to a question by Mr. T. Harrington, an enlightened journalist, made an insulting gesture. One would have thought, Sir, that a representative of the elite of English society, of which the Tory party is composed, would never so far forget his position as a gentlemau, and the duty he owes to the elect of the nation, as to stoop to such tactics with an opponent. One feels inclined to ask where was the Speaker, that, he did not teach the Prime Minister's relative a lesson in deportment. A statesman (save the mark !) who cannot sec the spirit of the age, and the eventual triumph of Home Rule for all peoples as well as the Irish, can surely see no further than his proboscis.—l am, Sec, E.F.G.