IRISH AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 994, 20 March 1891, Page 28

IRISH AFFAIRS.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, March 11. Mr Justin Macarthy opened the proceedings of the National Federation League, the programme of which was announced this week. Dean Mahoney, of Sydney, seconded the formal resolution establishing tho Federation. The majority of Irish priests were present. Mr Seaton charged Mr Parnell with supporting tho Tories. Archbishop Walsh declared that Mr Parnell’s behaviour was destructive to the Irish cause. London, March 12. Sir M. Hicks-Beacli, in the course of a speech, said Mr Parnell, although dis-

owned by Mr Gladstone and the priests, was still a popular leader. London, March 13. Mr W. O’Brien, M.P., has been declared bankrupt on the petition of the Marquis of Salisbury. London, March 14. Mr Parnell has issued a manifesto appealing to tho Irish-Araericans to assist him to quell the mutiny and disloyalty of a section of the Irish Party. He asserts that the difficulty was created by the hasty and meddlesome interference of English politicians, aided by a panic among the young recruits, and seconded by malcontents and office seekers. Sydney, March 12. The leading Roman Catholic Prelates of Australia here have held a meeting and issued a manifesto emphatically condemning the proposed campaign of Irish delegates. It was resolved that while deeply sympathising with the Irish cause they could not extend support to either party while the present unhappy condition of affairs remained unsettled. London, March 16. Mr Parnell, speaking at Dublin, as serted that during the negotiations at Boulogne his opponents had offered concessions, even to the verge of weakness, to secure his own retirement. He, himself, was content with the past. Speaking of the future he said his relations with the Liberals would compel him to oppose the labour candidates, but England must adopt the one man one vote principle and legalise an eight hours of labour system. {SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, March 14. It is expected the Irish Land Purchase Bill will be passed through all its stages before the adjournment of the House. London, March 16. In the course of his speech at Dublin Mr Parnell denied that he had attempted to dissuade Mr Michael Davitt from becoming a member of the Labour League. After the meeting Mr Parnell journeyed to Galway, where ho met with an enthusiastic reception. New York, March 16. A meeting of delegates of the McCarthy party resulted in a free fight, in which batons were used indiscriminately. The police charged the rowdies and restored order.