IRISH AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 787, 1 April 1887, Page 26

IRISH AFFAIRS.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. A LONG SITTING OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. EXCITING WARFARE, A-WELL EARNED VICTORY. (special to united press association.) London, March 22. A long sitting of the House of Commons was brought to a close at tweuty minutes past 1. The Irish Party, finding that organised obstruction would not bring about an adjournment, gave in, and every vote for the Civil Service was passed. Throughout the night the Irish and Radical members leagued in violent obstruction, and members on the Government side who had gone home were summoned by the Conservative whips, many members being called out of bed to resume their places. When the Conservative members returned, it was evident to the obstructionists that they had no chance of gaining their end, but they continued obstruction iu the hope that the votes would be postponed. It was announced that the Government intended sitting until the votes had been passed, and it was useless for the obstructionists to attempt to defeat the Government. Mr Labouchere, who tookaprominentlead in the obstruction, threatened that, if the Government persisted, he would make thirty speeches and move twenty amendments. If, however, the Government would accede to the demands of the Opposition, he offered to maintain silence. Questioned as to what these demands were, Mr Labouchere replied that they wanted to have the Civil Service Estimates postponed. The Government would not agree to any compromise, and stuck to their posts for 34 hours. The cloture was enforced, although only permitted by a narrow majority. The motion to grant a vote of three and a half millions for Civil Service was submitted. Mr Labouchere moved as an amendment that progress be reported, and was supported by Messrs Dillon, Sexton, and other Irish members. Mr Tanner, the member for Mid-Cork, caused great commotioo by remarking, ‘‘ I can see an honorable member before me drunk.” The Speaker ordered him to withdraw the remark, and Mr Tanner, in order to temporise, addressed the Speaker, asking him “ Whom have I accused ? ” The Speaker explained that the expression was offensive if applied to any member, and exceeded the limit of Parliamentary debate. Mr Tanner then yielded. At an early hour in the morning Mr Sexton warned the Government that a batch of eloquent Parueliites had arrived, and besought the Govern ment to profit by the information At half-past 6 Mr Leonard Courtney chairman of committees, who had relieved the Speaker some hours before, was replaced by Mr Cecil Raikes. At 7 o’clock the lights were put out, and soon after the House divided on the question to report progress, which was negatived by 141 to 57. At 9 o’clock Sir J. E. Gorst relieved Mr Raikes. A detailed discussion on the Civil Service by Mr Labouchere and some Irish members followed, and the Parliamentary warfare continued; but the obstructionists finding tbey were playing a losing game, at length yielded. London, March 24. Government are determined to pass the Coercion Bill beforethe Easter Holidays, and for that purpose are prepared to utilise the cloture and resort to night sittings. The Bill has purposely been drawn up in a brief form. .; Mr Gladstone has forwarded by cable an acknowledgment of the anticoercion resolution passed at New

York on Monday, in which he says he is deeply sensible of the sympathy expressed toward him by the people of America in his attempt to secure a just measure of good government for Ireland. He adds that he is confident the same sympathy will continue to be extended until a just policy is attained.

Mr Parnell has cabled to the American Irish patriots, assuring them that the crowning consummation of the great struggle for freedom in Ireland is approaching. He thanks the Americans for the display of friendship embodied in the anti-coercion resolution. Such evidence of moral support from the other side of the Atlantic would greatly contribute to the encouragement of the Irish people in their coming time of trouble and suffering. It is expected that General W. Sankey will succeed Sir Redvers Buller as Special Military Commissioner iu Ireland, the latter having recently been temporarily appointed Under-Secretary for Ireland, in place of Sir R. Hamilton. the London" Tress on mb GLADSTONE’S ATTITUDE. London, March 27. Mr Gladstone’s speech on the Irish Crimes Bill has caused considerable comment. The Times remarks that he has a marvellous power of disowning former principles. The Staudard and Telegraph characterise his conduct as that of an obstructionist retarding useful national legislation. The Chronicle admits he displayed consummate address in his utterances on the Irish question, but considers that his arguments were completely demolished by Mr Chamberlain’s reply. (reuter’s telegrams.) London, March 25. In the House of Commons to-day, the debate on the motion of Mr W. H. Smith, that precedence be given to the consideration of the Irish Crimes Bill, was resumed. Mr Gladstone spoke in support of the arguments used by Mr John Morley, and proposed an amendment, declaring that the condition of Ireland does not require the adoption of coercive measures. Mr Gladstone further stated that the Liberals would oppose the passage of the Crimes Bill to the uttermost. Mr Chamberlain favored the motion for precedence, and expressed himself as satisfied with the promise of the Government that remedial measures would be adopted concurrently with coercion. The former, he declared, could not be successful so long as the National League was supreme in Ireland. A division on the motion for precedence is expected to be taken to-night. THE DIVISION. London, March 25. In the House of Commons to-day, the debate on the motion that precedence be granted to the Irish Crimes Bill was resumed and concluded. Mr Morley's amendment was defeated by 349 to 260 votes, and the motion for precedence "vas adopted. London, March 25. The first of the Irish Land Bills, dealing with the question of leases, will be introduced in the House of Lords on Thursday next. London, March 27. In the House of Commons last night, the motion that precedence be granted to the Irish Crimes Bill was voted, and the first reading of the Bill was fixed for Monday next. Mr Parnell gave notice that on the same day he should move that the House forthwith should go into committee to consider the state of Ireland.