A diary of the Salisbury Parliament, 1886-1892

Front matter

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Contents

CHAPTER

I. — How Lord Salisbury came nc II. — Coercion and the Land Bill III. — Changes and Familiar Things IV. — Mr. Balfour in Harness V. — Under the New Rules ...

VI. — The English Local Government Bill VII. — Mr. Gladstone ...

Chapter I. How Lord Salisbury Came IX

The Short Parliament— Home Rule — A General Election — The Tory

Ministry.

The Parliament which supported Lord Salisbury in power through six eventful years was opened by Royal Commission on August 5th, 1886. With the object of preserving the continuity of this record with the two volumes that have gone before chronicling events in the Disraeli Parliament and the Gladstone Parliament, it will be convenient to glance at the events of the short-lived Parliament elected in December, 1885.

The Short The poll placed Mr. Gladstone in a magnificent position. His followers numbered 334, whilst of Conservatives there were 250, and Parnellites 86. The Liberals were thus within two of equal number with the combined forces of the Conservatives and Parnellites. The new Parliament, the eleventh of the Queen's reign, met on the 12th of January, 1886. The Bradlaugh difficulty threatened to revive, and did actually present itself in the person of the junior member for Northampton, who came up with the rest to take the oath in the ordinary fashion. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach was prepared to reopen the old controversy — had, indeed, written a letter to the Speaker submitting that Mr. Bradlaugh should not be allowed to take the oath. When

H the member for Northampton came to the table, book in hand, Sir Michael interposed, and proposed to discuss the matter ; but the Speaker ruled him out of order. The new member thereupon took the oath in ordinary form, seated himself quietly below the gangway, and thus, in commonplace manner, closed a memorable episode in Parliamentary life.

Although the Conservatives were in a hopeless minority, the Government of Lord Salisbury, in office at the time of the General Election, still held the Treasury bench, at the mercy of any combined move that might be made by the Liberals, and the serried phalanx under the leadership of Mr. ParnelL Whenever these two powers closed their ranks the Government must inevitably be swept away. The crisis was not long delayed. Amongst the amendments to the Address was one moved by Mr. Jesse Collings, in favour of the form of assistance to the agricultural labourer that came to be known as the allotment of three acres and a cow. On a division, which took place on the 26th January, the Parnellites voting with the Liberals, the amendment was carried by 329 votes to 250. The Government being thus defeated by a majority of 79, forthwith resigned. There was no alternative from Mr. Gladstone as successor, and he immediately formed a Government.

Home Rule. It was evident from the first that the question

of Home Rule in Ireland must be dealt with, and the air was full of rumours of a new and momentous departure contemplated by Mr. Gladstone. At the outset it appeared, whatever might be the course adopted, it would, with two conspicuous exceptions, be supported by the undivided force of the Liberal leaders. Lord Hartington, who had shown some restlessness at Mr. Gladstone's closer alliance with the Parnellites, did not accept office. But Mr. Chamberlain was President of the Local Government Board in the new Ministry, and the gentleman who was then still Mr. George Trevelyan was Secretary for Scotland. Mr. John Morley was Secretary for Ireland; Sir William Harcourt,. Chancellor of the Exchequer ; Lord Rosebery, Foreign Secretary ; Lord Granville at the Colonies ; Earl Spencer, Lord President of the Council ; whilst Sir Farrer Herschell was raised to the peerage and made Lord Chancellor. This

1886] HOW LORD SALISBURY CAME IAT. 3

post, it is understood, was in the first case offered to Sir Henry James; but that gentleman, also shying at the Irish question, joined Lord Hartington in withdrawal from Ministeriallife.

On the 8th of April, 1886, Mr. Gladstone, in a marvellous speech that took three hours and a half in the delivery, unfolded his scheme of Home Rule for Ireland. A week earlier the adoption of the scheme by a majority of the Cabinet had been ominously marked by the resignation of Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Trevelyan. The second reading of the Bill was moved on the 10th ofc May, and by this time a Dissentient Liberal party had been regularly organised, with Lord Hartington as its head and Mr. Chamberlain as its arm. On the 7th of June the House divided on the second reading of the Home Rule Bill, and amid a scene of wild excitement it was rejected by a majority of 30: 311 voting for the second reading and 341 against. Mr. Forster died just three days before the introduction of a measure which changed the whole face of parties, breaking up the Liberal ranks and relegating Mr. Gladstone to opposition for a period of six years, during which Lord Hartington and Mr. Chamberlain actively co-operated with Lord Salisbury in maintaining the Conservatives in power.

a General Defeated in the Commons, Mr. Gladstone de-

Election. . , . i r i

termmed to appeal to the country, hopeful that he would have placed at his disposal forces equal to the task of overriding the new and unprecedented coalition of Liberals and Conservatives. But the event disappointed his expectations. When the poll was finally made up, the new House of Commons was found to consist of 317 Conservatives, 74 Dissentient Liberals, 191 Liberals, and 84 Parnellites. The Unionists, as the allied forces of Lord Hartington and Lord Salisbury styled themselves, thus numbered 391 ; whilst Liberals and Irish National members combined could muster only 275, leaving Mr. Gladstone in a minority considerably over 100. He at once resigned, and Ix>rd Salisbury undertook to form a new Government. Before doing so he entered into communication with Lord Hartington, proposing that he should assume the Premiership. This offer Lord Hartington

DIARY Of THE SALISHfttY PAUUAMEST. |im

declined, though, as Lord Salisbury was able to assure the Conservative party meeting at the Carlton Club, ho gave distinct assurance of his desire to provide an independent support to the new Government : a pledge which, as will be seen in the course of events, was faithfully fulfilled.

TheTorj When the new Ministry. , , , -

Cabinet was

formed, Lord Salisbury was, of course, Prime Minister, but not Foreign Secretary, as had been expected. Sir Stafford Northcote, quitting the Commons, was made First Lord of the Treasury, holding the post with the title Earl of Iddesleigh. Lord Halsbury was Lord Chancellor ; Viscount Cranbrook, Lord President of the Council ; Mr.

Henry Matthews, on the nomination of Lord Randolph Churchill, was Home Secretary : Lord Randolph himself was Chancellor of the Ex- . chequer and Leader of the House ; Mr. Stanhope answered for the Colonies ; Mr.

W. H. Smith was Secretary of State for War ; Lord Cross looked after India ; Mr.

Arthur Balfour, as little as the House knowing what lay before him in the near distance, was Secretary for Scotland ; Lord George Hamilton presided

HOW LORD SALISBURY CAME IN.

at the Admiralty; an old friend, Mr. Gibson, now Lord Ashbourne, was Lord Chancellor of Ireland ; Sir M. Hicks- Beach was Chief Secretary for Ireland ; Lord Stanley presided at the Board of Trade, and Lord John Manners was comfortably provided for in the Chancellory of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Parliament met, as has been stated, on the 5th of August, Mr. Arthur Peel being elected Speaker, the second time within seven months — " thrice within thirty months," as he reminded hon. members, standing on the steps of the Chair and humbly placing himself at the disposal of the House. The Session did not last long, the new Parliament being prorogued on the 25th of September. Only formal or absolutely necessary business was despatched. But Lord Randolph Churchill found opportunity to display himself in a new light, bringing to the discharge of the duties of Leader of the House a courteousness of manner and a display of tact which agreeably surprised onlookers.

JANUARY.

12. Tues.— Mr. Arthur Peel elected Si»eaker.

13. Wed. — Mr. Speaker, Royal approval of.

His Statement (Parliamentary Oath).

Members took the Oath.

14. Thur8. — Members took the Oath.

15. Fri.— Ditto.

20. Wed.— H. M. Speech. Address. First

Debate thereon.

21. Thurs.— H. M. Speech. Adores*. Second

Debate. 25. Mon.— H. M. Speech. Address. Third

Debate. Amendment (Revenue of India), Mr. Hunter. Withdrawn.

Amendment. (State of Agriculture), Mr. J. W. Barclay. Division— For, 183. Against, 211.

26. Tues.—H. M. Speech. Fourth Debate.

Amendment (Agricultural Labourers' Allotments), Mr. Jesse Vollings. Division— For, 320. Against, 250.

28. Thurs.— Resignation of Ministry.

FEBRUARY.

1. Mon. — Resignation of Ministry.

18. Thurs.— Ministerial Statement. Mr. Glad.

stone.

H. M. Speech. Fifth Debate. Amendment (Crofters), Mr. Macfarlane.

Division— For, 104. Against, 234.

Report of Address agreed to.

19. Fri. — Supply. Mr. Courtney took the

Chair. Supplementary Estimates. 22. Mon. — Parliamentary Procedure Select Committee appointed, Mr. Gladstone.

East Bnrmah (Expenses). Resolution, Sir U. K. Shuttleworth.

23. Tues.— Imperial Revenue. Resolution.

Sir J. McKenna.

Employers Liability Bill. Afr. A.

O'Connor. Read 2\

24. Wed.— Tenure of Town Houses (Ireland)

Bill. Mr.Crilly. Withdrawn.

25. Thurs.— Supply : Supplementary Esti-

mates.

Crofters (Scotland) No. 2 Bill. Mr.

Trevelyan. Leave given.

26. Fri.— Metropolitan Police. Motion, Mr.

James Stuart.

* By permission of Messrs. Yacher, I supplement the record of each Session with the admirable calendar of events given in their well-known " Parliamentary Guide."

-1 DIARY OF THE SALISBURY PARLIAMENT, [im.

MARCH.

1. iion. — Supply: Supplementary Estimates.

2. Tues. — Belfast Drainage Bill. Instruc-

tions to Committee, Mr. Sexton.

Previous Question, Mr. Courtney.

Division— For, 84. Against, 200.

Labour Statistics. Resolution, Mr.

Bradlaugh.

3. Wed. — Labourers (Ireland) Acts Amend-

ment Bill. Mr. May tie. 2nd Reading.

Coal Mines Regulation, Jfcc, Bill. Mr.

A. O'Connor. 2nd Reading.

4. Thurs. — Supply. Maintenance of Social

Order (Ireland). Motion, Mr. Holmes.

Civil Service Estimates.

5. Fri. — House of Lords. Motion, Mr.

Lubourhere. Division — For, 166.

Against, 202.

8. Mon. Crofters (Scotland) Bill. Mr. Secre-

tary for Scotland. 2nd Reading.

9. Tue*.— Church of England in Wales. Mo-

tion, Mr. Dillwyn, and Amendment, Mr. A. Grey. Division on Main Question as amended — For, 49. Against, 34(5.

10. Wed.— Public Health, &c, Expenses Bill.

Mr. DwLls. 2nd Reading.

Sale of Intoxicating Liquors (Sunday) Bill. Sir J. Pease. Motion for 2nd Reading.

Royal Parks, Ac, Vote. Division on Amendment, Mr. Laitouchcre — For, 131. Against, 114.

12. Fri. — Harbours of Refuge. Motion, Mr.

Dawson. 15. Mon.— Supply. Navy (Efficiency). Motion, Lord. C. Bercsford. Navy Estimates.

16. Tues. — Contagious Diseases Acts. Motion,

Mr. Stansfeld.

Ground Rents. Motion, Mr. Saunders.

17. Wed.— Church of Scotland Bill. Mr. Fin-

lay. Division on 2nd Reading— For, 177. Against, 202.

18. Thurs. — Supply: Navy Estimates.

19. /"Vi.— National Engagements. Motion, Mr.

Mellaril. Division— For, 108. Against, 112.

22. Afou.— Supply : Army (Volunteer Capita-

tion Grant). Motion, Mr. Howard Vincent. Anny Estimates.

23. Tues. UhmI Taxation. Motion, Mr. T.

Rogers. Amendment, .Sir R. Paget.

Division— For, 186. Against, 205.

Division on Main Question— For, 210.

Against, 176.

Wed.— Tithe (Extraordinary) Bill. Mr.

Norton. Committed.

Sale of Intoxicating Liquors (Durham)

Bill. Mr. T. Fry. Committed.

Thurs. Supply : Army Estimates.

Fri.— Public Business (Select Committee

on the Estimates). Motion, Mr. J.

Wilson. Negatived.

Mon. — Crofters (Scotland) Bill. Committee. First Sitting.

Tues.— International Penny Postage. Motion, Mr. H. JJeaton. Division — For,

127. Against, 258.

Church of Scotland (Disestablishment).

Motion, Dr. Cameron. Division — For,

125. Against, 237. 31. Wed,— Police Force Enfranchisement Bill.

Sir H. S. lbbetson. Committed.

Allotments, &c. , Bill. Mr. Jesse Collings.

Debate on 2nd Reading adjourned.

25. 26.

29. 30.

APRIL.

1. Thurs.— Crofters (Scotland) Bill. Com-

mittee. Second Sitting.

2. Fri. — British Commerce (Extension). Mo-

tion, Mr. McLaren.

Intoxicating Liquors, Sale to Children, Bill. Afr. t'onybeare. Committed.

5. Mon.— Crofters Bill. Committee. Third

Sitting.

6. Tues.— Ditto. Ditto. Fourth Sitting.

7. Wet/.- -Church Patronage Bill. Afr.

Leatham. Committed.

8. Thurs. — Government of Ireland Bill. Mr.

Gladstone. Motion for leave. First Debate.

9. Fri.— Ditto! Ditto. Second Debate. 12. Mon.— Ditto. Ditto. Third Debate.

Tues.— Government of Ireland Bill. Fourth

Debate. Bill ordered.

Wed.— Laud Cultivation Bill. Afr. Bradlaugh. Withdrawn. 15. Thurs.— The Clerk of the House. His Resignation of Office announced by Mr. Speaker.

Financial Statement. Sir W. Harconrt.

Fri.— Right Hon. Sir. T. Erksine May, k.c.b. Vote of Thanks.

Sale of Land (Ireland) Bill. Afr. Gladstone. Bill ordered.

Mon.— Crofters Bill. Committee. Sixth Sitting. Bill reported.

Police Enfranchisement Bill. Division on deferring Committee till 20th August.

MAY.

3. Mon. —Supply : Civil Service Estimates.

4. Tuts.— Opium. Motion, Sir J. Pease.

Counted out.

5. irircf.— Municipal Franchise (Irelaud) Bill.

Mr. J. O'Brien. Committed.

Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday Bill. Committee.

6. Thurs.— Railway, &c, Traffic Bill. Mr.

MuntteUa. Committed.

7. Fri.— Postal Service. Motion, Afr. Hutton.

Negatived.

10. Mon. — Government of Irelaud Bill. 2nd

Reading. First Debate.

11. Tues.- Death Penalty. Motion, Sir J.

Pease. Division— For, 63. Against 117.

12. Wed.— Parliamentary Returning Officers

(Ireland) Bill. Mr.Tuite. Committed.

13. Thurs.— Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd

Reading. Second Debate.

14. Fri.— Import Duties. Motion, Mr. Jen-

nings. Negatived.

17. Mon.— Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd

Reading. Third Debate.

18. Tues.- Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd

Reading. Fourth Debate.

19. Wed.— Poor Law Guardians (Ireland) Bill.

Mr. E. Harrington. Committed.

20. T7u<™.— Dundalk Gas Bill. Consideration.

Division— For, 109. Against, 210.

Arms (Ireland) Bill. 2nd Reading. Division--For, 303. Against 89.

I

SESSIONS OF 1885—1886.

MAY (continued).

21. Fri.— Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd Reading. Fifth Debate.

24. Mon.— Supply : Civil Service Estimates.

Vote on Account, Ac.

25. Tues.— Derby Day. Adjournment, Mr.

Jjabouchere. Division — For, 251.

Against, 101.

Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd Reading. Sixth Debate.

27. Thnr.f.— Arms (Ireland) Bill. Committee, Bill reported.

Adjournment of House.

Lord R. Churchill.

Ventilation,

28. Fri.— Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd Reading. Seventh Debate.

31. Mon.— Ditto. Ditto. Eighth Debate.

JUNE.

Tues. — Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd

Reading. Ninth Debate.

Wtd.— Registration of Voters (Ireland)

Bill. Mr. Dillon. Debate adjourned.

Thurs. — Government of Ireland Bill. 2nd

Reading. Tenth Debate.

Fri.— Ditto. Ditto. Eleventh Debate.

Mon.— Ditto. Ditto. Twelfth Debate.

Division— For, 311. Against, 341.

Thurs.— Ministerial Statement. Mr. dlad-

stone.

Supply : Navy Estimates.

Fri. — Adjournment of House. Crofters

Commissioners. Dr. R. Macdonald.

Supply: Civil Service Estimates. Vote

on Account.

Army Estimates. Vote on Account.

1*5.

17. 18. 21. 24.

Wed.— Supply : Report.

Returniug Officers Expenses (Scotland) Bill. Considered.

Thurs. —Appropriation Bi 11. 2nd Reading.

Fri.— Ditto. Committee.

Mon. — Ditto. 3rd Reading.

Wed.— East India. Revenue Accounts.

Resolution.

Municipal Franchise (Ireland) Act. Committee. Bill reported. Motion for 3rd Reading objected to by Mr. Speaker.

Tramways, Orders in Council (Ireland)

Bill. Passed.

Parliamentary Returning Officers Expenses Bill. Lords Amendment agreed to.

Tlturs.— Prorogation.

SESSION II., 1886.

9. 10. 19.

20. 23.

AUGUST.

Thurs.— Mr. Arthur Peel elected Speaker. Fri.— Mr. Speaker, Royal approval of.

Members took the Oath.

H. M. Communication. Vacancies in

House of Commons.

New Writs issued.

Mon.— Members took the Oath.

Tues.- Ditto.

Thurs.— H. M. Speech.

New Members took the Oath.

Sessional Orders. Division on Order, Interference of Peers, &c— For, 294.

Against. 12*).

H. M. Speech. Address. First Debate thereon.

Fri.— H. M. Speech. Address. Second

Debate.

Mon.— H. M. Speech. Address. Third Debate.

24. Tuts.— H. M. Speech. Address. Fourth De-

bate. Amendment (Payment of Rent bv Irish Tenant Farmers), Mr. Parnell.

25. Wed.— H. M. Speech. Address. Fifth

Debate. 2t). Thurs.— Adjournment. 8ir R. Buller's

appointment. Mr. E. R. Russell.

H. M. Si>eech. Address. Sixth Debate. 27. Fri.— H. M. Sj>eech. Address. Seventh

Debate. Division on Mr. ParneM's

Amendment — For, 181. Against, 304.

30. Mon.—H. M. Speech. Address. Eighth

Debate. Amendment (Buriuah), Mr.

S.Smith. Division— For, 125. Against, 199.

31. Tues.—H. M. Speech. Address. Ninth

Debate. Amendment, Crofters (ScotlaudX Mr. EssUmont. Division — For, 121. Against, 203.

SEPTEMBER.

Wed.— H. M. Speech. Address. Tenth Debate. Amendment (Belfast Riots).

Mr. Sexton. Debate adjourned.

Thurs. — H. M. Speech. Eleventh Debate. Division on Mr. Sexton's Amendment —For, 127. Against, 225.

Address agreed to. Debate on Report adjourned.

Fri.-H. M. Speech. Address. Report.

Amendment (Speeches of Chancellor of Exchequer, Ac, Belfast), Mr.

Labouchere. Division — For, 119.

Against, 202. Report agreed to.

Secret Service, Ac, Bill passed.

Mon.— Supply. Mr. Courtney took the Chair. Army Estimates. FirstSitting.

Tues.— Supply : Army Estimates. Second Sitting.

Belfast Inquiry Bill. Mr. Attorney-General /or Ireland. Read 2".

22. 25.

Wed.— Supply :

Sitting.

Thurs.— Ditto.

Fri.—DitU).

Mon. — Ditto.

Tuts.— Ditto.

Wed.— Ditto.

Thurs.— Ditto.

Fri.— Ditto.

Navy Estimates. Third [Fourth Sittiug.

Service Estimates.

Civil

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Fifth Sitting.

Sixth Sitting.

Seventh Sitting.

Eighth Sitting.

Ninth Sitting.

Tenth Sitting.

Sat.— Ditto. Report Appropriation Bill ordered.

Afon.— Tenants Relief (Ireland) Bill. Mr. Parnell. 2nd Reading Debate adjourned.

Appropriation Bill. Committed.

Tues.— Appropriation Bill. Committee.

Tenants Relief (Ireland) Bill. Division on 2nd Reading— For, 202. Against, 297.

Wed.— Appropriation Bill. Read 3°.

Sat.— Prorogation.