THE IRISH QUESTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1874, 21 October 1887, Page 18

THE IRISH QUESTION.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) London, October 12. The inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of persons killed during the disturbance which took place on September 9 at Mitchellstown was concluded to-day, when the coroner's jury returned a verdict of "Wilful murder" against the police inspector and five of the constables who were present at the riot. October 13. Mr Chamberlain addressed a crowded public meeting at Belfast yesterday. He demanded from Mr Gladstone a clear exposition of his plans for Ulster under his scheme for the settlement of the Irish question. October 16. Mr Joseph Chamberlain is prosecuting his anti-Home Rule campaign in Ireland with unabated vigour. He has been accorded enthusiastic receptions at Coleraine. Addressing public meetings in this place, Mr Chamberlain urged his hearers strenuously to oppose Home Rule, pointing out that the repeal of the Union would bring inevitable ruin upon Ulster. October 17. The Nationalist meeting which it was intended to hold at Woodford yesterday having been proclaimed by the Government, Mr W. O'Brien, who arrived there on Saturday evening, held a meeting in a private house at midnight. Afterwards, in the presence of a large crowd, he burned the proclamation forbidding the meeting. October 18. The Liberal Conference was opened to-day at Nottingham. Mr Gladstone on his arrival in the city received a tremendous ovation from the inhabitants. Speaking at the conference, Mr Gladstone vehemently de- j nounced the conduct of the Government ! and their administration of Irish affairs, and said " impertinence " was the only word applicable to it. He declared that if | the Government persisted in their rash folly in dealing with the present difficulties, the government of that country would become impossible. A radical change of policy, he added, was necessary, which only an enfranchised nation could accomplish. (Special to Press Association.) / London, October 13. 1 Lord Hartington publishes a letter in which he trusts that the Liberal Unionists, without reference to party feelings, will reunite, with a view to maintain law and order in Ireland. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at Belfast, said that he was willing to concede the great i extension of local self-government ; but a distinct recognition of separate nationality | would amount to absolute independence. I The ties that now bind England to her colonies without federation are merely temporary, and any attempt to make Ireland like Canada or New South Wales would result in the creation of a separate kingdom, or perhaps of a republic. October 16. Sir William Ridgeway, Under-secretary for Ireland, and Mr Balfour are at present visiting Dublin. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien address a meeting at Woodford to-day, and numbers of police and military are massing in the village. Mr Chamberlain, speaking at Port Rush, said that Rome Rule would mean ruin for the masses. He also stated that Irsh legislation should provide for cultivators becoming the owners of the soil, which should be specially valued for purchase. The success of his visit has irritated and disquieted the Liberals and Parnellites. October 17. Every house in Woodford was illuminated in honour of Mr O'Brien, who held a meeting there on Saturday. Numerous bonfires were lighted. Three thousand attended the meet-

ing, many of whom were armed with sticks. The feigned meeting misled the police, and in consequence only a few were present. The telegraph wires were cub to prevent reinforcements being sent for.

In connection with the cornsack question a memorial was prepared by the Christchurch Corn Exchange and left at the rooms for farmers to sign. The result was that 68 signed in favour of the present sack, 24 in favour of a 2001b sack, and three in favour of the cental system.