Untitled

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 244, 4 January 1878, Page 17

Says the Dublin Irishman of September Joth : — There is a difference of opinion amongst Irish journalists as to the- wisdom and prudence of Obstruction. The Freeman, being wise in its generation, essays a safe course between the rock and the -whirlpool. ' But it ohinks Mr. Butt's letter shows more of the advocate'singenuity than cf the stateman's power.' ' The pleader's ieal;' 'says the Freeman, taused Mr. Butt to push his arguments farther, tham the facts warrant him. Still, the Home Eule organ declares that it is not in favour of Obstruction. Then, it asks, how, often has Mr. Butt proved that, for Ireland, the British Constitution is a hollow mockery, and transparent sham. "How ! often«has he appealed in vain to the English Parliament to give Ireland^that which she enjoys in name alone — the protection for the British Constitution." In conclusion the Freeman asks, " How can Mr. Butt expect the Irish people to share with him his reverence of the British Constitution?' 1 We could expect no favourable criticism from the Express, and no one need be surprised that it seizes upon a weak point in Mr. Butt's armour — a point which touches Tories in a sensitive part. The Castle mouthpiece reminds the member for Limerick of his declared intention to dispute the estimates for the Qneen's Colleges if his University Bill is not passed next year. The Express argues that opposition to the estimates is as unconstitutional as Mr. ParneU's Obstruction, the only difference between the members of Limerick and Meath being one of degree. The most remarkable comments have appeared in the Smmders, just where they were least expected. Replying to Mr. Butt's forewarning that Parliament will put down obstruction, the Sounders says Obstruction cannot be put down if a considerable number of Irish members join it. It adds—" We think the only direction in which, energy, activity, &c, can be applied is in Obstruction. In any other direction they are wasted. We see this so clearly tb*t we refuse to discuss the question any longer."