THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1898, 5 November 1913, Page 5

THE APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE.

MR. BALFOUR ON THE HOME RULE BILL. "PREPOSTEROUS EXPERIMENT IN FEDERALISM." By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. November 4, 10.40 p.m.) London, November 4. Mr. A. J. Balfour, speaking at Aberdeen,_ said that tho most sluggish imaginations were beginning to understand tho true character of the Ulster problem. The Homo Rule Bill was an experiment in Federalism of a preposterous character, because it failed to treat all the members of the Federation alike.

Mr. Balfour added:—"We are living under an interim constitution, and it is incumbent on tha Government to consult- the people _ before proceeding further. 1 Federalism was not only a possible form of Government, but a form which in many parts of the world had been found to bo of incalculable benefit. In every Federal Government, all its separate units were treated alike. The wholo system was designed as a closer and firmer organisation. Tho Homo Rule Bill was predestined l to hopeless failure, and it was ludicrous to pretend that it waß an instalment of Homo Rule all round, or any other form of devolution.

"Tho greatest dupes," said Mr. Balfour, "aro those who believed they were going to bring peace and leisure to the Imperial Parliament. Tho people of Ulstor were afraid of being turned out of tho United Kingdom and thrust into a ; system they detested, and in which thoy form but a fraction of tho electorate.

"It is not a question of better safeguards," B aid Sir. Balfour. . "We are dealing with human beings, with, a history behind thorn, and ideals before them." Personally he looked with horror upon a situation which had been created by a great party, who had drifted into a position which their boat members deeply regretted. If the Government were detormine.d to drive out its most loyal subjects, it must at least see that it has settled convictions, and that the British people aro behind it. If the Government objected to a general election, why not a referendum, which would not endanger the Government? RECAST THE BILL. (Rec. November 4, 10.40 p.m.) Lanclan, November 4. The Earl of Dunraven, in a letter urging the recasting of tlio Home Rule Bill, said'that a lasting settlement wafl possibla only by converting it into a measure not requiring limitations.