AN EXCITING DEBATE.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 18

AN EXCITING DEBATE.

An exciting discussion on the right of the Anarchists to assemble in Trafalgar square to commemorate the anniversary of the death of the "Chicago Reds" took place in the House of Commons on the afternoon of November 14. Mr Gladstone's Government was denouEced for peimitting such demonstrations, and Mr Darling moved to adjourn in order to call attention to Trafalgar square as a meeting place for Anarchists, who openly gloried in the outrage^ at Chicago and Barcelona. Mr Darling, who is a well-known writer, author, and lawyer, said it was the duty of Mr Asquith, the Home Secretary, to have satisfied himself of the objects of the meeting at Trafalgar square before permitting it to take place. Mr A. J. Balfour, the Conservative leader, supported Mr Darling's motioD, and strongly censured the Government. The meeting, according to Mr Balfour, was a breach of

the law. Mr John Burns, the Laboiir leader and member for Battersea, defended the Trafalgar square meeting as being a protest against the action of the Chicago police, and the Home Secretary, replying to the attack of Mr Darling, said the meeting was insignificant and not illegal. The motion to adjourn was negatived. This discussion created a decided stir in London. The Times, referring to the remarks of Mr Burns, said "Mr Burns's remarks on the wicked massacre at Chicago deserve careful study on the part of American citizens sympathising with the demand for the release of our domestic dynamiters."