IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2484, 1 April 1893, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, March 28. Mr Gladstone to-day received two deputations on the question of Home Rule. One was from Belfast, consisting of merchants, bankers, and shipbuilders; and the second comprised merchants, bankers, and members of the Stock Exchange, and delegates from the shipping companies representing the city of London interests. Both deputations pointed out the dangers of Home Rule to commerce. Mr Gladstone in reply argued that the majority of the people in the nation favoured the Bill, and he doubted the gloomy prospects put forth by the members of the deputation . The Standard demands that the Opposition party shall continue the relentless obstruction to the Home Rule Bill.

Replying to the commercial deputations Mr Gladstone said that sixty years' personal experience did not contain proof of Catholic jealousy. He held up the Can adian Government as a parallel to refute the allegation that under autonomy in Ireland there would be a bankruptcy and perpetual discord. He predicted a new, happy, and prosperous era for Ireland, and with prudent government she would enjoy a chronic plethora of money. Mr J. Morley, Chief Secretary for Ireland, said that since the advent of the present Government agrarian offences in Ireland had decreased 11 per cent. Mr Gladstone, he said, desired to instill respect for law and order into the hearts of the people. At the Liberal meeting Sir William Vernon Harcourt, who met with a great ovation, urged Mr Gladstone to conserve his strength for the impending struggle. He declared that the resources of the Conservative party were confined to civil war in Ulscer and obstruction in the House of Commons. The Irish Federation iu New York has cabled to Mr Gladstone, congratulating him on his efforts to secure autonomy for Ireland.

The Belfast deputation stated that already bank and railway stock had declined £2,000,000. If the Home Rule Bill were passed they contended that it would result in social upheaval and turmoil in Ulster.

Mr Gladstone replied thai nines the large-propertied and fomM e - gscs iu Ireland were opn- sed to ; he Go _ Ve " U v WS "- oi uprising that seC w "'d temporarily depressed. .j same deputation afterwards waited on Mr Balfour, and expressed their unutterable loathing of the Bill. Mr Balfour replied that he had no fear of so monstrous a measure passing. Amongst the members of the London deputation were Sir John Lubbock, Sir T. Sutherland, Messrs Samuel Hoare, Lidderdale, Price (Chairman of the Stock Exhange), Gibbs, and others, who urged that the attitude of the city was a strong and absolute protest against Home Rule, on the ground that it would cause financial insecurity and depression. The Premier stated that the propertied classes were in conflict with national sentiment. Their opposition, he regretted to think, would impede the march of Liberal opinion. Under the last Irish Parliament Ireland had made considerable progress. He contended that Home Rule was not a revolutionary, but a Conservative measure.

The House of Lords has adjourned till April Bth. In the House of Commons Mr Gladstone announced that impending business would rendor it necessary for the Government to shorten the vacation. He said that the Liberals were fully united, and that it was essential to place full confidence in the Government.