THE HOME RULE BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2063, 7 September 1893, Page 14

THE HOME RULE BILL.

;(Peb Pkess Association.)

London, August 30,

Mr Gladstone moved the third reading of the Home Rule Bill to-day. He said that, in spite of the deliberate and persistent efforts of the Opposition, they had now arrived at the last stage. The Government had been compelled to apply the closure in order to fulfil the mandate of the country.

August 31.

In moving the third reading of the Home Kule Bill, Mr Gladstone said the Opposition bad been pleased to regard the measure as a monstrous and hideous one, and backed up this opinion with falsehoods; but he said the passage of the bill through the House of Commons had been a great triumph.

Mr Gladstone dwelt on the fact that discussion on the bill had occupied 82 days. The opponents had fought with old English pluck and fortitude worthy of a better cause. He did not doubt their sincerity. Nine hundred and thirty speeches had been made in committee by the Conservative party, while the Liberals were only credited with 459. He denied that the Almighty had branded with incapacity this particular and noted branch of the human race. The history of Ireland was an inveterate stain on the English escutcheon. He ventured to predict that the establishment of autonomy would be a step towards the early triumph of rational liberty.

Mr Courtney moved the rejection of the Dill.

Mr John Redmond contended that the financial clauses were impossible. His party would continue to insist that the Irish should be masters in their own country.

September 1.

The House of Commons was packed to-day to hear the debate on the third reading of the Home Rale Bill. The motion was carried by a majority of 34 amid frantic and prolonged cheering and counter cheers.

Mr Gladstone received a great ovation on arrival at the Whitehall Club.

Ths great crowd outside Parliament Buildings surrounded and repeatedly stopped Mr Gladstone^ carriage. He was cheered v/iidly until in the House of Commons, when the members rose ar, one man.

Tee Home Rule Bill has been read a first time in the House of Lords.

The Home Secretary (Mr Asquith) speakiDg at Althorpe, said that Mr Chamberlain liad been of great keJp to the Government in getting the Homo Rule Bill through, as hi? speeches always rallied waverers to the Government side.

The Daily News estimates that 400 peers will vote against and 40 for the bill.

September 2. Mr Ju; tin M'Carthy, in speaking to the third reading of the Home Rule Bill, welcomed the measure, though he said it yvas not absolutely final. M.s*srs Chamberlain and Balfour delivered

speeches of unusual brilliancy, and expressed themselves confident that a British majority throughout the country would reject the bill. Mr Balfour declared that the insane action of the Government had done more than a hundred Tory Governments to demonstrate the necessity for the House of Lords.

Mr L. Courtney's amendment for the rejection of the Home Rule Bill was negatived by 301 to 267. Two of the Liberal members (Messrs Saundera and Bolton) voted for the amendment, while Messrs Wallace and Rathbone abstained from voting.

On Monday Mr Gladstone v,ill move that the whole of the autumn session be devoted to Government business, and stated that no motions tabled with a view of obstructing business would be permitted.

At 12.50 the Speaker declared that the Home Rule Bill had passed. When announced the Liberals rose aad accorded Mr Gladstone a cveat ovation.

On returning to his residence the Premier's carriage was escorted by thousands runnine and cheering and sicgirg " United Ireland."

September 3.

In the House of Commons Mr Justin Macarthy said the Irish cordially accepted the bill.

Mr Chamberlain contended it postponed indefinitely a complete and fuller union.

Mr Morley replied that Irishmen all Gver the wo; Id feel a decisive step has been taken towards true union.

The minority who votod against the third reading was composed of 238 Tories and 39 Liberal- Unionists, and tho majority of 220 Liberals and 81 Nationalists. There were 50 pairs.

September 4.

The Irish National Federation of America congratulates Mr Gladstone on the loyalty and fidelity with which he bas adhered to his promises, and trusts his life will be prolonged to enable him to complete his work.

The fical passage of the Home Rule Bill through the House has embittered the feeling between Catholics aud Orangemen. Several riots have taken place ia Clare, Down, and Gilford,