§ MR. RADCLIFFE COOKEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to restore the authority of the Crown in Ireland by suppressing the so-called National League?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE)I can assure the hon. Gentleman that Her Majesty's Government is very desirous to see the authority of the Crown in Ireland restored to that full state of efficiency which it enjoys in England and Scotland—in a great degree through the sympathy and sense of the people. We deem that the condition of Ireland in that respect is one requiring our closest and most anxious consideration and attention; bat I have already stated that according to such investigations of facts as we have been able to make since our recent accession to Office, we do not conceive it would be wise, or justifiable, or politic on our part to seek the restoration of that authority to full efficiency through the medium of an immediate application to Parliament for special criminal legislation. That answer, of course, includes the negative to the Question which the hon. Gentleman asks.