ENGLISH, NONCONFORMITY and ENGLISH ROMAN CATHOLICS.
Executive.— The supreme executive author Ireland is vested in the king's represen tative, the Lord Lieutenant, who enjoys the title of Lieutenant-general and General Gov ernor of Ireland. He is appointed by the Crown, is a peer, and must be Protestant. Sometimes he has a seat in the Cabinet and takes an active part in the Government of the country; more frequently he is a mere figurehead, the real executive authority being held by the °Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant.° The Chief Secretary is usually a Cabinet Minister, and is responsible to the House of Commons for the acts of the Government. The salary of the Lord Lieutenant is £20,000; that of the Chief Secretary, £4,425. When the Home Rule Act of 1914 is put into effect this system of ad ministration will be subject to changes.
Local Administration.— By the Local Gov ernment (Ireland) Act, 1898, administrative functions in reference to highways, public health, and relief of the poor, were assigned to local bodies elected by the rate-payers Borough Councils for the six largest towns; County Councils for the counties; and under these, Urban Councils for the smaller towns, and Rural District Councils for the country districts.
Judiciary.—At the head of the Irish judicial system is the High Court of Justice, with a Court of Appeal. The High Court includes two divisions — the Chancery and King's Bench Division. The work of these courts is done by
a Lord Chancellor and 16 Judges, all appointed by the Crown. Cases of less importance are dealt with by the recorders of the cities, three in number, and 18 county court judges, who hold their sessions at various centres through the country. A numerous unpaid magistracy, assisted by "stipendary° or paid magistrates, deals with minor cases. The Criminal Justice Administration Act of 1914 provides for ap peal in almost all cases.
Police:— The police force of the country is wholly tinder Government control. Dublin has a local police force, controlled by Government, consisting of 1,084 men at the end of 1916. The rest of the country is policed by the °Royal Irish a semi-military force of 10,000 men. The Imperial Government pro vides about £1,500,000 per annum to maintain the police and constabulary.
For topography, hydrography, geology, flora, fauna, climate, population, agriculture, fisheries, manufactures, trade, commerce, transportation, finances, banking, etc., see IRELAND, and also articles in this section : AGRICULTURE; MINING; LAND LAWS; FISHERIES; INDUSTRIES; FACTORY LEGISLATION; TRADE UNIONISM; COMMERCE; FREE TRADE MOVEMENT; BANKING; RAILWAYS;