IRELAND'S PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1854, 13 September 1913, Page 5

IRELAND'S PROBLEM

LORD LOREBURN'S LETTER CRITICISED. i j DISSOLUTION INFERRED. LIBERAL PRESS VIEWS. By Teleerapli—Press Association—Oopyrinht London, September 11. Lord Lorebuni's proposal for a conference of all parties with a viow to the settlement of tho Irish question has met with a lukewarm reception. Tho Unionist evening newspapers declare that a compromise on tho existing Bill is impossible; it will be necessary to boginj afresh. Tho "Star" (Liberal) says it would be useless to attempt to negotiate, because tho Unionists would not yield anything. The "Westminster Gazette" (Liberal) declares that Ulster disturbances would be a grave calamity. Though a conference would be beset with difficulties, it/would bo worth trying to settle the question by consent. ("Times"—Sydney "Sun" Special Cables.) Lohdort. September 11. Tho Presbyterian Moderator of Ireland has issued a letter to .ministers asking them to observoy September 28 as a day of' humiliation and prayer in view of tho solemn circumstances in which their Church and country are placed. Ho adds: "Tho threatened crisis is of a most serious character, which approaches nearer as the political situation develops." LORD LOREBURN'S CONFESSION. A SIGNIFICAiNT APPEAL. ("Times"—Sydney "Sun" Spocial Cables.) (Rec. September 12, 7.6 p.m.) London, September 12. Lord Lorebum, in a" letter, to "The Times," says that no good, purpose would bo served by ignoring tho certainty that tho passage of Homo Rule will bo followed by serious rioting in tho North of Ireland. "It is an extravagance," ho writes, "to speak of civil war, or to fancy that tho troops, if called out, would refuse to maintain order. But experience in tho past shows that much disturbance may bo expected, more widespread and more violent 'than on any formor occasion during our times." Discussing the letter, "The Times" says that it is addressed to tlho nation, but that the main importance of _ it lies in the fact that for tho first time in a political crisis of the first magnitude —maybe a national disaster —a distinguished' Liberal statesman makes a public confession of his belief that, as a permanent solution, the Government's Irish policy is indefensible. (Press Association.) 1 (Rec. September 12, 11.10 p.m ) London, September 12. Tlio consensus of opinion in tho Liberal morning newspapers regards Lord Lorebuni's proposal as impracticable and unwelcome. Liberal speakers in various towns have already emphasised that tho t'lme for talk is past— timo for firm action has arrived. Selfgovemmont is the only possiblo basis of settlement, whilo tho Unionists' contention is that the only solution to tho question is a reference to tiho electorates. ' Tlio Nationalists airo disconcerted, and interorot Lord Lorebum's appeal as a sign or weakness on tho part of tho Government. Tlio "Daily News" . Parliamentary 'correspondent says that tho really serious passage in Lord Loroburn's letter is that relating to a general election on Homo Rulo.j This, ho says, is 'tantamount to a repeal of tlio Parliamentary Act. Tho letter" means that Mr. Asquith should dissolve Parliament, thus leaving the plural voter undisturbed, and should also give a pledge against tho reintroduction of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, and in return the Tories should exact from Ulster a promise of submission to Homo Rule if it is again approved at the polls. It also moans indefinitely postponing tho creation of a Second Chamber. WOMEN'S VOTE IN ULSTER. • (Reo. September 12, 11,45 p.m.) London, September 12. Tlio draft articles of tho Ulster Provisional include women's franohiso. on the basis? of ■ tho electoral register for local government purposes.