IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8112, 22 February 1888, Page 2

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

LB? Klecthio Telegraph.—Copybight.l (Special to Press Association.) London, February IS. (Received February 21, fit 10.20 :>.m.) In the House of Commons, Chief Secretary Ealfour contracted the treatment of political prisoners with what they were subjected to by Sir George Otto Trcvclyau when lie occupied the position of Chief Secretary, to that which they now undergo at the hands of the present" Government. Under the ri'ijimc o£ Sir George Trevelyan, political prisoners were treated with greater harshness than at present. Mr W. O'Brien, M.P., during his recent confinement, was healthier that when he was first admitted to Tullamore Gaol. His weight had increased by the time that he was released.

Mr Gladstone attributed the diminution of crime in Ireland to the operation of the Laud Act. He held that the Plan of Campaign had proved triumphant, and that the Land League was increasing in vigour, and was, he contended, entirely free from complicity in the crimes with which it has been charged. He concluded his speecli with an eloquent appeal to the Government and Parliament to give Ireland Home Knle, which he confidently believed would result in producing the desire o£ the age—namely, a truly united empire.

Sir Goschen, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said that Mr Gladstone's attitude towards the Government with regard to Irish affairs had seriously heightened the difficulties of enforcing law iv Ireland.

(Received February 21, at 11.20 a.m.)

The amendments proposed in the procedure rules provide that the House shall meet at 3 in the afternoon, adjourn at 8 for dinner, resume again at 0, and finally adjourn at 1 o'clock in the morning, with the exception of Wednesdays, when the House shall adjourn at t! o'clock in the evening. The Speaker may refuse a motion to adjourn, and the Chairman of Committees may decline to put motions to report progress or 10 leave the chair. The Speaker may also refuse to order the bell to be rung for divisions demanded for the purpose of w;>-;h:.i; time m 1 otherwise obstructing the business before the House.

The Standing Committee on Bills relating to trade and shipping has been revived in tho House of Lords.

Lord Onslow, Political Secretary to tho Colonial Otiiee, replying to Lord Sandhurst yesterday, said that the replies received by the Government from the colonies in regard to colonisation were adverse to the scheme Government had proposed.