The motion of inquiry moved by Sir J. Gray into
the affair in the Phoenix Park was defeated on Thursday by 75 to 23. Mr. Glad- stone's defence of the Government was a straightforward, though to us not quite satisfactory one. He protested that the law as to public meetings was the same in both countries, and still uncer- tain in both, and argued that a meeting which in England might be meant for discussion, might in Ireland, owing to the political traditions of the country, be intended for a demonstra- tion of force, That is quite true, but still Mr. Gladstone will hardly affirm that in England any " demonstration of force," unless:intended to overawe Parliament or interfere with free labour:. is . ever suppressed by Goverement. That, as we under- stand them, is the grievance of the Irieh „Members. They are ready to support Government in putting down illegal deinonstra- tions of force, provided they are put down everywhere alike. Mr. Gladstone was most frank in pledging Government to an inquiry, and most cordial in his assurances that both countries were alike to the Ministry, but he should take the occasion to correct that tradition of high-handedness which still lingers at the Castle. The police were not to blame whou the order had been given, but the order was as injudicious as the hint that it was given because of the Royal visit. The Princes are not in Ireland strangers, for whom the ordinary course of life should be suspended.
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