LORD ROSEBERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4938, 30 April 1894, Page 2

LORD ROSEBERY.

|"f_-0_- OVB, LONDON COBBESPONDENT.] London, March 24.. It is my belief that if Lord Eosebery 'a health holdß out he will ten years hence be equally popular, and far more generally beloved, than Mr Gladstone iB to day. His speech at Edinburgh on Saturday last was a model of good taste, diplomacy and genial frankness. The papers on Monday were really amusing reading. Barring the Times— which the Premier had brightly quizzed — everybody was pleased. Whilst the Irishmen agreed that Lord Eosebery 's assurances with regard to Home Bule were perfectly satisfactory, the Unionists recognised with rejoicings the measure was certainly "hung up" for some time to come. His Lordship devoted himself first to restoring the confi--1 dence of his allies. Home Eule was, he said, and would always continue to be, the first plank of the Liberal programme till it became law. But he mentioned no precise date or period for the Bill's re-introduction. On the contrary, the Premier observed, the Bummer session of laat year had been devoted mainly to Irish affairs, and the autumn session had been given over chiefly to English affairs. Naturally, then, in the coming months the Government meant to provide an equally fair show for Scotch and Welsh business. Of course the Edinburgh audience shouted at this, and it is hard to see how the Nationalists can demur. They might have said, "Hang Scotland and Wales, we care for nothing but Home Eule," if Lord Eosebery had not referred cordially to the unselfish way in which their party (" many of them poor men with business to attend to ") had remained in town in order to assist the Government to pass the Parish Councils Bill. He skilfully intimated that the Irish would, without doubt, be found equally eager to assist their Welsh and Scotch, allies. In dealing with the House of Lords the Premier was also diplomatic. He frankly announced himself a "second-chamber man " (a definition which raised a laugh) . therefore, the Upper House must be mended, not ended. How this was to be done he could not at the moment say. The constitutional difficulties in the way were prodigious, but not insurmountable. Let the country isßne its commands in no uncertain voice, and the Government would find a way to obey them But the command in Buch a vital matter must be unmistakable. Thiß attitude suits all moderate men, Torieß as well as Liberals. Despite the mass meeting in Hyde Park on Sunday, there is no real desire to "abolish the Lord.," though all parties admit a certain measure of reform may become necessary.