SCATHING COMMENT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2009, 17 March 1914, Page 5

SCATHING COMMENT.

BY IRISH INDEPENDENT NATIONALIST LEADER. MR REDMOND'S SAILING DIRECTIONS "A ROTTEN BARQUE;" By Telegraph—Press , London, March 15. 'At-tho All-foT-Irelaiid League's conference at Cork, Mr. W. O'Brien (Leader of the Independent Nationalists) stated that the Irish party had accented a modified Bill and covered itself j with infamy, Refcrrinp; to Mr. Rodnwnd's speech before tho opening of Parliament, when ho remarked that the Government, sltonid go "Full • steam ahead," Mr. O'Brien said the '-"full speed ahead" order was swallowed, but fij'li speed astern was now tho ardor. A rotten Wrque was flying for its life, and its Hibernian crew Were- waiting an opportunity to throw the trembling captain av«boar«L Mr. Percy I'ilingworlh (Chief Gpvertim.ciit Whip), speaking at Bradford, said that there would bs» no General ftlcotion until the Home Rule, the Welsh Church Disestablishment, imd Plural Voting Bills had been passed. Mri John Dillon /Nationalist), in an address at Newcastle, said he was convinced that a compromise was best ealculate'd to secure victory, If tho. Unionists. won the next election, they coiiM repeal the Bill if titer dftrod. or cut, out Ulster, when the Nationalists would renew tte struggle, with an Irish Parliament at their back. Oven ten thousand places have been opened in England for the signing of tho British covenant. TO-DAY'S STATEMENT. (Rec. March 10, 10,35 p.m.) London, March 16. Tho Unionist newspapers complain that Mr. Churchill's peremptory tone, as evidenced m his latest speech on | the Homo Rule question, is calculated to increase the difficulties of tho Premier's _ immediate- task. . They argue. ■ ■that his challenge is' a "ta'kc-it-or* | leavs-it offer," and is not justified until tho Premier discloses far more about his proposals than he Iras done- hitherto. Meanwhile, to-day's statement . is eagerly awaited. It is understood that Mr. Astjnith does not intend to make any further offer or withdrawal beyond the existing one, at present. The "Daily. Chronicle" (Liberal) attributes the Unionist objection to the ■ Ulster time limit to tire boJirf that two general elections will not displace the present Government, and adds: "Tile Ministry will offer the oliro branch, and 1 is anxious to ofjnmliatc, but they will, not be blackmailed," "Tito Times" -declares that there is a distinct 1-iarde-ning of opinion in all quarters that Mr. Asfru-ith will probably make it clear that if his offer will not prove ultimately acceptable as a basis pi settlement, it will not be submitted to the vote of tho Commons, or given any other mark of permanence. ULSTER AND WEST AUSTRALIA. {Rec. March 16, 9.40 p,ro'.} ; London, March 16.. , Sir John Fuller (ex-Governor of Vici toria), in a letter to the Press, comt paring the Ulster case with that of West • Australia, .ssys .that "had West Australia boen'''ffli:r^atefied'tv ! ith deftftito inclusion iu the Commonwealth, whether ! she liked it' or not, she would not, in all probability, be playing; her import'ant part within'thc Commonwealth.