MR ASQUITH'S OFFER.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2005, 12 March 1914, Page 5

MR ASQUITH'S OFFER.

FOR HOME RULE BITL.

NOBODY SATISFIED.

POLL OF PUBLIC OPINION

Br Tfl«CTanh-PrcEo Assoolatlon-CopyricM (Rec. March 11, 11.20 p.m.) London, March 11. Tho debate on tho second reading of the Homo Rule Bill will probably be resumed on March 30.

An influential section of tho Nationalists in Ireland dislike Mr. Asquith's proposed concessions. They believe that these would involve formidable administrative confusions. Many prominent Orangemen express the opinion that Sir Edward Carson has gone too far in promising to accept tho Government's offer if tho time-limit bo eliminated.

Lord Dunraven thinks that the offer of partial exclusion would bo meaningless, unless it were established with the certainty that the 6chemo would be a workable one. ITo declares that the_ representation of Ulster in tho Imperial Parliament, tho position of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, • and the possibility of tho Irish Parliament placing Customs barriers around tho excluded counties, aro tho outstanding difficulties.

The "Daily News" says that the Nationalists, and the greater number nf Liberals, arn against a compromise. Thoy declare that it would be impossible to accede to Sir Edward Carson's request that Ulster should bo excluded from tho Irish Parliament until a fresh Act has been passed, as that would allow the habit of local covernracnt to grow up in Ulster.' With tho" vested interests established thorn it would become difficult for tho Imperial Parliament to resist a claim for special treatment.

The anti-Russian Press campaign in ..Germany antl Austria continues, and, commenting thereon. Lord Cror.T* urges a settlement of the Irish question, thereby averting t]n> calamity of civil war in ' Ireland. ' Ho adds that the war scare, which is engaging the attention of the German Press, renders it InVlily. undesirable that . anything should occur to prevent tho Government from speaking in.tho Councils of Europe in the name of a united people. "THIS MOCKERY OF AN OFFER." "TIMES" STRONGLY OPPOSED. By Ttleeraph—Press Association—Oonyrishl "Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. London, March 10. The "Times," in a loading article'on the Homo Rule debate, says:—"Mr. Asquith's proposals show a profound miscalculation of the situation. Tin's mockery oi an offer at tho eleventh hour can make ho favourable impression." The "Standard" describes the proposal as grossly objectionable.

Tho "Evening News" says it is tho final attempt at a peaceful settlement by the Liberals.

" Speaking in the Home Rule debate, Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald said that there should bo no general election until the Bill has been passed. (Rcc. March 11, 5.40 p.m.) Lcndon, March 10. All parties in Ireland aro distinctly unfaiourable to Mr. Asquith's offer to Ulster. Tho-Ulstermen.icondemn the proposal for limited exclusion, while the ■Nationalists considor that Mr. Redmond ha 3 exceeded the limits'of concession, i' "■ ■ ■ - : * '-"'■ ■ >.-. Tho underwriters are charging 10s. per cent." against riots. . ... ■ ■ EARL GREY'S VIEW, Earl Grey, who is visiting Wellington at present, was consulted yesterday "'as to tho report from London that His Majesty tho King would call for a dissolution of Parliament as soon as tho Home Eulo Bill, was carried. Tho distinguished statesman stated, that it was extremely unlikely that there was anyhing in tho.report. Nothing of tho kind could be dono until tlio Bill wus passed, and he was quito suro the King would not take tho premature atop of announcing 'what his intentions were. In' his opinion tho report was too ridiculous for discussion. When reminded that eome of the foremost newspapers-had been discussing tho King's alleged intention, Earl Grey laughcd, and said that-oven the best of i>npers wero liable to go astray at times.