IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2482, 28 March 1893, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, March 23. Mr John Morley, Chief Secretary for Ireland, has released Foley, the dynamiter. In the House of Commons to-day Mr D. P. Barton, member for Mid-Armagh, moved the adjournment of the House, as a protost against the action of Mr J. Morley, Chief Secretary fof Ireland, in releasing Foley, the dynamiter, who was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude in 1891. During the debate, the Opposition members who spoke urged that such action on the part of the Government was a prostitution of the clemency of the Crown. Mr Morley in replying justified the prisoner's release on the ground of humanity, and also because affairs in Irewere now in a peaceful condition. The motion for the adjournment was negatived by a majority of 40 votes. After the division was taken, Mr Gladstone invited the Opposition to bring down a vote of censure on the Government for their action. Mr Balfour at once gave notice of such a motion. He condemned the Government for condoning serious offences, and said that their failure to enforce the law was calculated to provoke terrorism, and bring the administration of justice into contempt. The debate on Mr Balfour's vote of censure will commence on Monday. Lord Salisbury finds that the state of his health will prevent his keeping his engagement to address a meeting at Belfast on Wednesday next, but Mr Balfour will attend the meeting in his stead, and deliver an address. The Court of Common Council have granted the use of the Mansion House for the purpose of holding a meeting at which anti-Home Rule resolutions will be proposed. This decision is likely to be seriously questioned. Mr Gladstone has offered to receive a deputation from the Belfast Chamber of Commerce on the Home Rule question. It is reported from Ulster that a thousand men are being drilled every night. The people of Belfast made a demand to to the Government for increased police protection, but Mr Morley declined to grant the request, pointing out that in the event of trouble arising the military were available. The Marquis of Salisbury is improving in health, though he is still weak from the effects of hia recent attack of influenza. March 25. In the House of Commons to-day, a proposal by Mr William Allan, the Liberal member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, respectiug the payment of members, was carried by a majority of 47. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in supporting the motion, said that when practicable and money was available no doubt the Government would give effect to the proposal. The Opposition did not debate the question. There was a stormy all-night sitting on the annual Army Bill, during which the Speaker censured Mr James Lowther for obstruction.

The Unionist meeting at Belfast has been postponed until Whitsuntide.