ULSTER AND HOME RULE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1411, 11 April 1912, Page 5

ULSTER AND HOME RULE.

UNIONIST DEMONSTRATION. SOLEMN AFFIRMATION NEVEK TO SUBMIT. SPEECH BY MR. BONAR LAW. Uy TelesraDli-Press Assoeialion-CoDyrisM London, April 9. The anti-Home Rule demonstration at Belfast was attended by seventy members of the House of Commons, including Mr. Bonar Law (Leader uf the Opposition). Sir Edward Cai-ou, and Mr. W. H Long (an ex-Chief Secretary for Ireland). Special trains were run to Belfast, from all parts of Ireland. The processions occupied three hours. Sir Edward Carson presided at a mammoth gathering. Mr. Bonar Law said the Unionists regarded Ulster's cause as the Empire's cause. The creation of an Irish Parliament, even if friendly to Britain, would involve friction, and in the event of war England's difficulty would be Ireland's oppprtunity. Running such a risk was, he urged, gambling with the national security. A resolution expressing unalterable opposition -to a separate Parliament for Ireland was carried. DISINTEGRATION OF THE KINGDOM. "HEAVEN HELP THE GOVERNMENT." (Rec. April 10,, 11.0 p.m.)

London, April 10. The procession included 140,000 mem-, bt-vs of clubs and lodges. The three miles of the route were crowded with spectators. The Primate of All Ireland, Dr. Crozior, Archbishop of Armagh, offered up prayers for the protection of the true religion. These were followed by the singing of the hymn "God, Our Help in Ages Past." Sir Edward Carson then asked the meeting that all should hold up their hands in solemn affirmation that never in any circumstances would they have Home Eule. The meeting repeated the affirmation, and subsequently, after unfurling an immense Union Jack, the crowd uncovered, and sang the National Anthem. Mr. Eonar Law said he had no hope of tho majority in tho House of Commons breaking down. It hud been further cemented by the payment of salaries to members of <£400 a year. The Government had turned the House of Commons into a market place, but it was unable to sell Ulster, which held the key of the position. The whole history of the modern world was a movement towards closer union. Now the British, who were tho Empire-builders of the world, were asked to begin the disintegration of the United Kingdom. The Unionist policy was to restore the land purchase system and to develop the resources of Ireland. Mr. Bonar Law received a further ovation on returning from Belfast. Speaking on the deck of tho steamer, he declared that if Home Rub forced through "God help Ulster, but Heaven help tho Government."