IRISH AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1904, 18 May 1888, Page 13

IRISH AFFAIRS.

(Per Pbbss Association.) • London, May 9. Mi Gladstone, in replying to an address of* sympathy presented to him by 3700 Nonconformist ministers, said that he had received a silk badge from Australia, on which were inscribed the words " Remember Mitchellstown," and which, it was stated, was worn by thousands in that country. He also said that he was not prepared personally to vindicate the operations of the Plan of Campaign, but in his opinion the Government were the real authors of the organisation. May ,10. The National League are much annoyed at Mr Parnell's recent disavowal of the Plan of Campaign. The Nonconformist clergymen have forwarded an address to Mr Gladstone, in which they express sympathy with him and confidence in the policy he was following. They condemn the policy of the Government in treating political offenders as felons, and express a hope that the legitimate national aspirations of the Irish people will be achieved. ' ' Mr Gladstone in reply thanked them for their kind words of sympathy, and said that the members of the Opposition party had given j the Government every assistance in expediting I the business of the session. The position of affairs in Ireland was a matter of great moment and demands a settlement, and he was prepared at the right time to take action, insisting that they should receive attention. He hoped that popular opinion would soon, demand a change in the administration of Ireland. The Irish bishops have notified their intention of adhering to the decree of his Holiness the Pope. May i 2. * The Irish bishops have informed the Pope of their entire submission to the terms of the decree. The Pope has directed, Cardinal Monaco to inquire into the practices of the' National League as to whether they are contrary to religion and morality. . The decree will be read a second, time in the Irish churches on Sunday. Archbishop Walsh, of Dublin, denies that the decree issued by the Pope will injure the National League movement

, , , „ Rome* May 11. ' His Holiness the Pope objects to Mr Parnell's remarks on the decree, and states that it is his duty to the church to warn people of 'the -immoral methods adopted' by the National League' in' defiance to ' the *aw.' (Special to Pebss Association.) ' "/* . . London; May .14. - It is stated that at an informal meeting of the Irish prelates at Dublin to-day opinions were expressed that the promulgation of the Papal decree was inopportune and unjustified I in the present state of the country. '