IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2010, 1 September 1892, Page 34

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

(Pbb Pbess Association.) London, August 23, The prayer meetings at Newcastle for tho success of Mr Morley's candidature were a fizzle. The Labour party have issued a manifesto in support of Mr Rolli, who opposos Mr Morley. The former promises to vote in favour of eight hours. Farmer Atkiu's opposition to the election of Sir Vernon Harcourt is widely ridiculed by the miners. Viscount Chelsea (Conservative) has beon elected uuopposed for Bury St. Edmunds. The electors of Northampton are indignant at Mr Labouchere's exclusion from the Ministry, and are protesting against his being refused a portfolio at the instance of the Queen on account of personal feeling. August 24. The re-count of votes in theJLichfield election confirms the majority secured by Mr L. Darwin (Unionist Liberal) over Sir J. Swinburne, who sat in the Liberal interest iv the last Parliament. Mr Labouchere, in Truth, asserts that owing to Her Majesty's objection to his being included iv the new Government, he was asked to get Mr Gladstone out of the difficulty by writing a letter declaring that he had no wish to join the Government, but he declined to do so. Mr E. Harford, secretary of the Amalgamated Railway Servants' Society, speaking in support of Mr Morley's candidature for Newcastle, declared that not one-fifth ot the working classes favoured a legal eight hours. The polling for Derby resulted in the return of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the numbers bsing :— Harcourt, 6508 ; Atkinson, 1619. Truth publishes a long explanation by Mr Labouchere, in which he says he did not seek office, but he shows much anger at his exclusion. He blames Mr Gladstone for admitting many of the old gang. Mr Morley, speaking at Newcastle, said the Irish demands were just, and business in the House of Commons would be paralysed until they were satisfied. It would be a bad day's work if the Labour party showed itself hostile to the Irish. The polling takes place to-morrow (Thursday). The Times describes Mr Morley as indulging in a premature wake. Mr Labouchere, in his Truth article, says the Queen's objection to him is the result of his attitude in opposing Royal grants. It is denied that Mr Gladstone has promised an extension of the scope of the Small Holdings Bill. August 25. The Times considers Mr Labouchere's story, as published in Truth, is a cowardly insult to the Queen, and says it is untrue. It adds that his behaviour to Mr Gladstone proves he is unfit to hold office. Mr P. Ralli (Unionist), who*is opposing Mr Morley at Newcastle, expresses himself opposed to the payment of members. Mr Gladstone has publicly denied the rumour

current that he intended to retire from the House of Commons. ' v The united trade societies, as the result of pressure, have issued a manifesto in favour of Mr Morley's candidature. There is unusual excitement in Newcastle over the election, and business is quite at a standstill. The town hall and shops are barricaded in order to prevent the mob doing any damage. August 26. Mr Gladstone has written to Mr Labouchero stating he is responsible for not inviting him to join the Government. He did not note Mr Labouchere's name to her Majesty because of some incidents in his career, which, however, cast no reflection upon his public character or conduct. The letter implies that the reason for Mr Labouchere's exclusion is articles published in Truth from time to time in opposition to Royal-grants. Messrs Dillon and M'Carthyhave arranged with Mr Gladstone the conditions on which autonomy is to be granted to Ireland. The land laws are not to be altered for five years. The police, justiciary, and the balance of church estate funds are to be controlled by the Dublin Parliament, but there is to be one customs service only, and the Irish are not to have power to levy duties. Thirty members representing Ireland are to have seats in the House of Commons, A meeting at Northampton, presided over by the mayor of that borough, called for the purpose of protesting against the exclusion of Mr Labouchere from the Government, ended in a general melee. Cheers were given for her Majesty, and counter cheers for Mr Labouchere. The election for Newcastle resulted as follows : — Right Hon. John Morley, 12.983 ; Mr Ralli, 11,244. August 27. Mr Labouchere, in replying to Mr Gladstone, compliments him on his chivalrjyn taking upon himself the responsibility of excluding him from the Government.. He also protests that he cares nothing for office, and declares his loyalty and reverence to the leader of the Liberals, but at the same time urges Mr Gladstone not to permit Home Rule to swamp Radical demands. ' August 28. Mr Morley's re-election for Newcastle is claimed by his party as a decisive and unexampled victory. The Daily Chronicle considers it a signal rebuff to an unworthy, coalition, and says that tho Opposition have tried to carry on a mean vendetta. The Daily Telegraph claimsthat Mr Morley's victory was due to the weakness of Mr Ralli as a candidate ; while the Daily News urges that the result is a triumph for Home Rule. The Times, on the other hand, sees nothing in it to justify the rejoicings of the Liberals. Mr J. L. Walton (Liberal) is contesting South Leeds, and Mr L. H. Whitbread (Liberal) tie London seat.