FATE OF ULSTER

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2136, 30 April 1914, Page 7

FATE OF ULSTER

ANGRY SCENE IN THE

HOUSE

JEERS AND TAUNTS

MOTION FOR JUDICIAL

INQUIRY

"DARK AND TORTUOUS PLOT" By Telegraph—Press A£eociation—Copyright llec. April '>>>, 11.40 p.m.) ■ LondosvApril 20. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr. Austen Chamberlain (Unionist) moved:' "That in view of the seriousness of the Government's rocoutly-coli-tumplated naval and military movement against Ulster, and in the incompleteness and inaccuracy of Minister's statements and the Gqv- ' l criiment's failuro to deal frankly with the- situation, there should be a full and impartial inquiry into all the circumstances." Mr Chamberlain, speaking to tho motion, reviewed tho situation. Ho said that after Mt. Asquith's appeal for peace on March 9, to which Sir Edward Carson had replied that ho would submit a settlement to Ulstermen if Ulster were excluded, the Government had recognised this as an advance. Nevertheless, Mr. Churchill, on March 14, made a threatening, provocative speech, concluding: "Let us put theso Wave matters to tho proof." Mr. Asquith had approved this, and the Curragh incident followed.

Colonel seely "A Too!." Colonel Seely, continued Mr. Chamberlain, had been the tool of more astute and unscrupulous men. Tho Government had siioivn a lamentable want of candour and frankness, and had been guilty of material mis-statements, in order to conceal its plans. Mr. Asquith, in a letter to "The Times" on March 23, had suppressed the more important part of the movements. Tho trulh had been wrung from him bit by bit. The White Paper , professed to have given the full facts, but later fifty-five letters were published, some of them of prime importance. Proceeding,. Sir. Chamberlain complained that Mr. Asquith had stated that General Orders were riven as far back as December last that officers domiciled in Ulster might disappear. Mr. Asquith interjected: "It was told to me, and I mado tho statement in good faith." Mr. Chamberlain accepted Mr. Asquith's statement. Summing up his charges against the Government, lie said that it appeared to him that the Government/ had assumed that the idea of conciliation for Ulster was a hopeless one, unless they showed an overwhelming display of force. It was difficult to know which of the statements now supplied to Mr. Asquith were true. Mr. Chamberlain concluded by suggesting that tho Premier should not accept "whitewashing" by the vote of a party majority, but insist upon a judicial inquiry into these "dark and tortuous proceedings."

Mr. Churchill Replies. Mr. Churchill (First Lord of the Admiralty) declared that tho first axiom of British justice demanded that a complainant should como into Court with' clean hands. Sir Edward Carson and Captain Craig had como to tho House tresli from tho gun-running exploits. (Cheers.). Sir Edward Carson shouted: "Wo didn't tell lies about them 1" A Ministerialist rejoined: Oh, Carson! Behavo liko a king. • Sir Edward Carson retorted: You behavo liko_ cads I Tho Speaker did not call upon Sir Edward Carson to withdraw his words, as he had been taunted ly offensive expros'sions. Mr. Churchill continued: —fresh from their gun-running exploits, they demanded an inquiry into the action of thoso responsible for the preservation of law and order. • A Unionist interjected: Why not arrest the criminals? Mr. Churchill: Is it your complaint that we have- beon too lenient? That is the only accusation I am not propared to answer.

"Audacious and Impudent." Mr. Churchill, continuing, said that tho motion.was the "most audacious and moso immident demand for an inquiry in our records." The object of the Ulster volunteer army showed that if the veto of the House of Lords had gone, there remained the veto of force. After the rejection of Mr. Asquith's offer to Ulster, it was clear that those who were preparing for civil war had other purposes outside of Ulster itself, and were preparing to veto tho general policy of Homo Rule. Nothing could be more disastrous than for the Opposition to supposo that they and their Ulster friends wero tho only persons in the country who wero prepared to risk their lives. Could anyone say, after what had occurred in Ulster, that this measures the Government had taken wore premature, and unnecessary? He proclaimed. the right of tho Government to put British troops in Ulster, and its right to arrest tho leaders. Unless the Ulstormcm took life first, their own lives would not lie endangered. Contiiiuins:, Mr. Churchill said that he did not believe that civil war would ever come. "But," he said, "if a. rebellion occurs, wo will put it down. The key to a peaceful settlement is in ■Sir Edward Carson's hands." Sir Edward Carson ran great risks for war, would ho not run soirio risks fm' peace? He thought that peace with honour was possible if Sir Edward Carson would say, boldly: "Give me amendments — J asl< for a safeguard to Protestant Ulster.' Kveryono "would bo found ready to recommend his decision and save us from the evils for which our children would hold us accountable." If, concluded the speaker, Sir Arthur Paget, asked for reinforcements in Ireiand,""he would have thorn, a;:. 1 ;r tho rebels fire Jon the troop;, ho (Mr. Churchill) would take all the stops in his power to secure- condign punishment. But. there would bn no civil war unless tho Opposition made it. Ho appealed to Sir Edward Carson for pence, for any (lay an event micht happen thsvt would condemn thorn all to a continuance of this struggle on tho present hateful linos. If Sir Edward Carson accepted the proposed safeguards ho (Mr. Chnrcliill) promised to oso hi:? iniluonco to make Ireland :in intonirnl unit of a federal system that would transform the political situation.

Suppose? Colonel Soplv, ox-llinisli'r for War, stated that he told Sir Arthur Payet to enrry out a pertain movement of tlio troops. .Sir Arthur I'ngefc replied: "I will tlo so, but the result will lie a grave commotion in Ireland." The Goyei'nmosit look iinotlier view, and to tliis Sir Arthur f'aynt mplifl: VSiipposn 1 am riulit? Snpposo I meet nrmcl resistance? Will / ho supported?" The auswor iras that nil the forces of 111' , Crown would be available to support law and

order. Not a- man disobeyed any order that was made. '■' The speaker admitted that tho dec;,-, moilt H'hicli whs placed in ihc hands of Brigadier-General Cough contained ;i definite declaration of policy. It was wrong, doubtless, to hand it to a particular officer. Tho debute at tlu3 stage was : adjourned.

NO STATEMENT FROM THE CRIME MINISTER. ,; ■ SURMISE IX THE LOBBIES. /; (Hoc. April 30, 0.15 a.m.) ;■ ''. London, April 29. \ Some surprise was evinced \rhen Air. Asquith did not make a statement as to tho Government's polity in regard to the recent developments in Ulster. A further conference . kis taken place and tho Opposition lHClilbers hope that .Mr. Asqiuth will nmplil'.v Mr. Churchill's hint with regard to federalism.

Jlr. l'edmond stated iii the lobby that ho would not support, anything involving tlie exclusion of Ulster. The Unionist papers emphasise the significance of itho change, in 31 r. Churcliill's tone.

Tho report regarding the- postponeincntr of tho Budget. Speech is con-, finned. -.:-,

CABINET IN GOUNCtL. MR. KED3IOXD SUMMONED. (Kec. April 29; 5.53 p.m.) London, April 28. Mr. J. E. Redmond (Leader of the Irish Nationalist party) bns been'called in lor a consultation with Cabinet, which has since adjourned till the niornin S- ... ...

A Ministerial offer is espoctcd which may possibly lead to au early dissohitioii.

ARMY BILL PASSED. BY THE HOUSE OF LORDS. (Rec. April 30,. 0.15 a.m.) London, April 29. The Houso of Lords lias passed the Army Annual Bill. "Times" and Sydney "Sua" Serricea. (Kcc. April 29, 3.35 p.m.) Lerufon, Aprfl 29. Lord Lansdowne, speaking '« ii )l > Houso of Lords, said that bister, (hiring tho last two years, had been the most peaceable province, because tho volunteers were disciplined, find had. resisted the most violent provocation, 'ilha Government had how suffered a. rudo airakoning, and ho dreaded tlie collision between tho Ulster volunteers ami tho Army, for it was difficult to any which of these two were tho more loyai subjects of tho King. '

ARMS FOR THE IRISH NATIONALISTS, OPPOSITION GUN-RUNNERS, (ltec. April 39, 0.40 a.m.) LciHton, April 28. A number of fishing boats landed on tho Donegal coast n cargo of American arms from a steamer. These have been, distributed to the Nationalists, Despite the vigilance of the police six motor-cars distributed over three hundred rifles in the county of Ji.omighi.iH yesterday. A detachment of the ImiisMiiiigs, ivith tiro maxims, leave Ontagh today for Magillicsn Camp, Londonderry. Tho Nationalist volunteer movement in Dublin is growing, and is also renewing financial support from America.' Young Nationalists urge ait immediate! extension of the movement in order to meet forco with force.

OPEN LETTER TO MS. ASQUITH.FBOJI AUSTRALIAN SUPPORTERS OF ULSTER. Sytiiwy, April 29. -' An open letter to Mr, Asquith is being largely signed in various Stater, denying statements that the people of Australia as a vJwte favoured Jlomo Kiile, and adding the belief that Homo Kulo would tend to the Ewpirn and be a permaneiit bar to Imperial federation. Tho letter hopes Jlr. As(liiith Wiill hold a referendum on the subject, and concludes: "In resisting such a_ policy of injustice ami tyranny. Use Unionists of Ireland hnvo'our Wholehearted sympathy and all sach support as it might he possible to rentier." It is stated that already there arc nearly ono huudrsd thousand signatures to the letter.

ULSTER'S VOLUNTEER ARMY. ORGANISED AXD~WJELL MILLED. The ciirolled members of the Ulster Volunteer Force at present number approximately 110;009 meu (says tlip military correspondent of the London "Times" in a special article). These numbers will bo considerably augmented if any attempt is made to coerce Ulster by force. From Ulster, from the rest, of Ireituscl, from England, Scotland, and many British possessions oversea, sympathisers with Ulster's cause will bo iitthieicfl when trouble begins, while miuiy officers have HMwle known their desire to lieip the cause. Almost every Protestant man and boy in the province ivill %lrt if fighting- begins, anil as these peopio consider the cau«e to be one worth dyilsj; for, no one should entertain any doubt of «■ desperate resistance. It was recognised at an early date that tho Government might at any moment decide to break up the Voluntoer head, quarters at Belfast, and to arrest the prominent leaders of .the inovement. SncTi action to-day, even if successful, which is most improbable, would hare no effect except to give (!•;<; signal for. au<l (<• precipitate, an outbreak! Nothing would" be found at headquarters «sco;vt a. few man and some unimportant papers. 'Deeflntralifiition has been iho rule-. Tire Vo!n«» leer system Tests upon o Miunty bnsi*, and each county is self-foiiUunet!. The organisation is by roimties .mil county divisions. Each "division emis!?!s of ii variiible nunibi?: , of rejiißPiiU, .irconliiw to tho strength of tho Volunteers, ami each regiment comprises a variable number o[ battalions. Tiiern ij a lelKiency to form each diviMon of three wjimeiitF. each of threc battalions of Mfsfl mpii apiece, but the system is elastic, and in practice the division.' vary o/uuidorahlv in composition end stwnath. There are at present G5 organised battalions. The organisation embraces- i>li the nine counties of tho province. Belfast lias the lurjjcst number of battalions, namely, IS, Down conies -ntst with JO, ivhilc o'tupr conntius have either 3, 1. 11, or 2 battalions. There is on!; , one uionnteil vcfinicni, the Enninkiiirii Horse, but us each county division tinih a mounts>d section, ami cyclists besides, it would be «i?y to provide a eonsiilerablo mini bar of mo'anted men. The battnlions van- in strength from 400 to 2008. Taero are'many of the hiirhnr strength, but as considerable detachments would remain in certain counties to keep the NafkmaijM.s in c!i«k if is probable Mint ("lie average slrsncth o.f the field battalions will not o.woed lOrtO men at first. T!ii> rounties hlhi supply corps for transport and supply, and cailet bicycle corps. There is mi extensive iiieilical orznnisntinn for which the women of Ulster liavo worked splpndidly. There aro resimcTita! doctors, dressing etatkins,' flrnblilfllicps, and hospitals already organised, while many ambulances have been promised by sympathisers in EnglamJ mid Scotland, [n osch battalion Ktreteficrbearers have Ijkh organised and (rolnwl.

Arms and Equipments. ■ The drilling <ii the Ulster Volunteers with dummy S'ifc; provoke? <krision in certain (|iKirlci's. ft iiHiy colli Mine !<j ;i» so. for tho.-p dummy Hlles will )«• vetc.iupd until mobilisatiun take:: nlaci , . Tlio number of good modern rillos at the disposal of the Ulster* Volunteers i.'- fiiily known to five or six men who have sensibly dceided to keep tlseir information (» themselves. The Kfliveral impression is (hat (here may lie Sfl.SMfl rifles" .-(Viiilnhlc, but tlio writer i< linaWr; to ;iffirm that 1 his nunil>er, ov anv other niimbrr, is correct. Ulster U full ot arms. FrnhaTily no one knows llip (o(al number in I ho province, partly becaiiso inp.=l. of itir ii'")l-tn-rlp people have jinrehascil theiv rifin."privately, and pattiy because it u a i'fuc

thing 'for ■ i h : ir , -Irishniaii'--who'--iKJSse?*cß'?-. a rifle or ; 'a "E-imitaJ'ii're «ut α-liccnpe'i'or;it.

'i'hu riilijii;: powers', 11.V.1:'. , have acti'd very yp'rmlontl.v-'Vega wliiigHhei.ritlcs which, they li!ivo. i piin'lu , ..i«l. ..-TheyMiavo not . "in ...central * : ma-jraziiicu ivherp- i iK-yr itijjfiit'ba'; Vei/.cil, ami at the s-aine. time /they- , have ' them pvef .to ■■th'oV-'nieti , .- individually..- : : .A.-:: lew wave Ijocn di>trilnite{!'-to"-?thc : coini)onK?s rofjriile practicp,' l>nt*.lli.<£)>nik iinve )jpmi coii'sijftiM,' in i)arcels- ,, .nV)fr , excoinlin(T-five rilie-,1-to tPiPctoi! .■i'iH!ii, , .an(l.',:u(iMiof- the riav.-i.- ace . iio^ : •aiiVoVor":.U!s!:ei-. l.i™eiher irith •'ammunition,'rraily.';for im--mi-iliiitn. isMii-p.iii case.of iinCTgiMic.v.'i.'l'hcrc was'soinp-.talki'tlie othtr-day of a"'si;ai'oh lor an-.-s.i It \voui«-,l:!i.]iva«ticaiiy..j,ir.iv3s-fiiljle.' foi;.'(ho -.(ijov.fi-niiieJit Jo st-ize.'-isiore thrill, 'mimlypr of" , the rilles.i-at ateniptsio search 'furjiiniw,' 'oi , t<) iuierfw- with , ' ,\'<iliitiK'ers* : at , !.!<3rill,. i 'wiir-.l)e; fwistwL^": ,^

'. Tiit?--l , iivonrifK.t»,f.ilil)re;-:is the ■ .SKliti. 'i'heriV; aßVma'iiy.'.J.Sliirtini-l'jiificUl carbine! l , si!islc'-load?v.*, i excellent liamly

ireiiSKiiis'sijiifOfraj) , !o '.'OiW yards. There are-alto; of..,ltiiiian make •ivhich , are issui't!,'.'vvitli ammunition, to ■certain counHcs.,-.;VNeiu!y all rifles have Belong bayonet..};; Equipment ■ consists of bujalolifis inrwiriiniuiiitton, wcb.'.ljolts to tarry tlieslja.vonet.'-liavtTAack lor ration. , !, and occnsioiially- , water .wittles. Itcserve iiimuuiiitiou, t Miji|ili(w'-o(li<!r tltf>» those carried oh Hie men, great coats blanket?, am! cook ins pots, us well us rorairi", are carried in. battalion carts, which accompany each uait .in .a , lnilt'-sry.organisa-tiou. . ■.s.A'-.-'N' , ''•'.. ; '-..:'■ .:

,: "....-■ .'-The'Signalling'.'Corps.'-iti.... ''■-■ T!i'(;',!'Ul.sie) : • Sigiialliii!? . amt Dispatch Riding Corps'is "al present the only ono ivlueli .doe.-) not re>l upon a couuty basis, but is vecruitcd from and senm tlie wholo pniviiicf. This rorps is mainly founil by and its '-head and niovhi" spifit iss a n\astcr nluniber of Belfast. ■' It iuis 400 motoi-eurs and SCO iiwtor-cycli.'ts «!" di.'posnl, a nil is highly efllrient". It has estaWisliwl a coinploto K.vsleni of conuiHinicalion by flag- l"i'.i]i, a'ji<l hpliocranh ail ov*) , the provinee, and rolmitwr post offices «re Korki)ig in conjunction with it. JJxpertence sliowe that orders from headquarter!) can bo transniitteil 'by this csrp?, whether bv siVnnl or <l!?patcli rider, to the furthest ji'oint of Ulster in about four hours. This organisation ie Mcefsary before nny Provisional Government ossumes central, far at present it is suspected thai letters and telegrams are frer/ncntly oppwd or not delivered, and alt iimtortaiit iustrnctions nj-o sent by the PiE-naHins Corps. At tlio Volimtepr Post Offices relays of cadet cyclists otCeixl to circiilalc raeßsajPs. 'A recent innovation is Hie preparation of a special force far the purpose of «"P----portiii? "frosificr" units and of eseemms fipeeiis! missioTts. This corps consists of 3009 men in Belfast, arid will l» «\ipplc> mentetl by small contingents of_ 3W to 500 men a'piceo from the counties." Tliew -men are to, b« specially trained mul O!|u>r)iH-!i on the model of. Hie South African Kariv?. Thev will probably, have wills. tliKu a'etifiis of ivhich tan « readily fouiul by Belfast ami a few wjier CHitro's where fliere are men accustomed to railway work, iM'Mge-uiSKlng, ami demolitioiH.