IRISH QUESTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13666, 6 February 1908, Page 5

IRISH QUESTIONS.

DEBATE. IN THE COMMONS. THE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE. CHIEF SECRETARY'S DEFENCE B» Telegraph.— .Association.—Copyright. London, February 4. Speaking In the House of Commons in regard to the amendment to the Address-in-Reply, regretting the absence in the Speech from the Throne of reference to the increase in agrarian crime and disorder in Ireland, Mr. Vv alter Long . (ex-Chief Secretary for Ireland) said that though cattle-driving had been checked, it was not as the result of vigorous administration, but of some compromise between the Government and the Nationalist party. He dwelt on the increase of shooting and agrarian outrages, and emphasised the terrible extent of boycotting. Yet the Government sat with folded hands, when they possessed an effective instrument in the Crimes Act.

The Chief Secretary for Ireland (Mr. Augustine Birrell), in a vigorous defence, affirmed the permanent peace and prosperity of Ireland. He defended the settlement of the land question, and the speedy acquisition of untenanted land for distribution in economic, holdings. Cattle-driv-ing did not terrify him, but the price of land and stock and the possibility of bad seasons and the fear of disappointing land-hungry people did. The. fact, he went on, that juries sympathised with the cattle-drivers did not justify them in dispensing with juries and resorting to coercion. He indignantly denied having entered into a corrupt bargain with the bishops with regard to university education, and added that he would be a monster if he stood aside and allowed crime to continue in order to bolster up Home Rule. .He did not believe that the Crimes Act would stop the outrages, and flatly refused to put the statute in force. In reply to Mr. H. Staveley Hill (Conservative), Mr. Birrell said there had been 334 cases of cattledriving since June. Animals had been injured in 27 cases, but none of the owners were personally injured. The debate was adjourned.

MR. BIRREL'L'S ADMINISTRATION. (Received February 6, 12.35 a.m.) London, February 5. The Daily News says that Mr. "OirreH's administration of Ireland has been almost a sensational success. . v' ' „