THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 20, 16 May 1907, Page 19

THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND

A FORWARD STEP

In the House of Commons last week, Mr. Birrell's Administrative Council (Dublin) Bill, after the* closure had been applied, was read a first time by 416 votesto 121. Mr. Redmond said he received the bill with qualified approval. He disapproved of nominated members, but accepted them in the hope of allaying the fears of the minority. He withheld his final judgment of the' bill, buc would not repel any device for lessening his coun- . try men's sufferings. The Irish Unionists vehemently denounced the measure, -predicting religious sirife, and that the minority would be at the mercy of the permanent Catholic majority. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr. Birrell (Chief Secretary for Ireland) explained that the only way the Administrative Council (Dublin) Bill could lead to a larger policy was in affording triumphant proof'of the capacity of the Irish masses tor governing themselves and governing the minority ably-- and impartially. The council would consist of 82 members elected by local government electors, and 24 members nominated by the Cro\vn, with the Ui/der- secretary to the Lord Lieutenant added as an ex-officio member. It would have complete control over and exercise powers now or hereafter vested in eight departments, including those of local government, 'congested districts, public works boards, and the new Education Department. Mr. Birrell emphasised the fact that the Board of Works under the new bill could perform its 'duties 1 only by taking wide views and resisting, pressure. The pension rights of existing public servants would be safeguarded ami a separate Irish Treasury under ajj. Irish Treasurer would be established. There would also be an Irish fund of £4,000,000, consisting of the £2,000,000 now spent by the eight departments, with an additional £60,000 per annum from the British taxpayer, which was due to the large expenditure, and would be a charge on the Consolidated Fund, and, finally, £1,400,000 for local grants to 'be paid to the Irish Treasury and administered by the council. Any act due to preference shofwn to religious denominations would be - invalid. Parliament's final authority would-be secured by empowe/rilnjgj the Lord Lieutenant to reserve the council's resolutions. Roman Catholics would be eligible for the position of Lord Lieutenant. Mr. Balfour doubted whether Mr. Birrell regarded his preposterous scheme seriously. He predicted it would be unworkable. It would create constant friction, besides which it would not relieve the House of Commons of one hour's work. It iwas unsatisfactory that any party should be used for Nationalist ends. The ' Westminster Gazette ' says that the bill is different from Home Rule, and strictly in accordance with the pledges given before the elections. The ' Times ' says that had not • the Nationalists openly exulted in the -bill aS a clear step to the larger policy they would not have been playing up to their partners. It is in entire accordance with Sir H. Camp-bell-Bannerman's policy to arm them with an effective though skilfully-disguised engine enabling them to prosescute their aims. There is a great Nationalist- outcry in Ireland against the Party leaders acquiescing in what is regarded as an- unsatisfactory and inadequate Council Bill. Mr. Timothy Healy, M.P., when interviewed, declared that none of the Dublin Castle Boards had been transferred to the Administrative Council. The bill was an effort to transfer to Irish shoulders England's diffi-. culties. The measure was utterly mischievous and objectionable from both the English and Irish point of view. The Earl of Crewe (Lord President of the Council), speaking at Cambridge, said the Irish Council Bill was a moderate measure. Doubtless a great many Liberals were disappointed at the small scope of the bill, but a considerable number thought it -went far enough. He did not believe that in matters of constitutional change it was wise to go far ahead of the party, and whether in increasing the self-government of Ireland or 'dealing with the relations^ between the Lords and Commons oaution was needed in order to- secure the party's general support.