THE HOME RULE CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2209, 23 July 1914, Page 6

THE HOME RULE CONFERENCE

Whether tho suggestion- which has resulted in- the Palace Conference on tho' Home Rule question originated with the King himself or with Mr. Asquith there can bo no doubt that public opinion, both in Britain and tho Overseas Dominions, fc .in favour of a settlement by consent. The most rational way oi reaching such a settlement was to bring the parties together in conference. In addressing the dele-' gates, His' Majesty frankly admitted that his intervention may be regarded as. a new departure, but-'h© contended that the exceptional circumstances justified exceptional action. The existence of two irregular armies in Ireland, and the serious danger of civil war, must certainly be regarded as a most exceptional state-of affairs, and it is vain to look for precedents to guide one in dealing with an unprecedented situation. Royal intervention in politics is always a serious step, but it is to be hoped that in the present instance it will be amply justified by results, for, after all, success is always the most satisfactory justification ih such matters. It would be highly undesirable for the King to be embroiled in party politics, and any attempt by either party to use. His Majesty's name in order'to secure some advantage over the other side would merit the severest condemnation. Up to the present all that has been done has been strictly however unusual it may be. Having summoned the Conference, arid informed the representatives of his reasons for doing so, His Majesty appears to have taken no further part in the proceedings. He has given utterance. to no personal - opinions as to the merits of the points in dispute, merely expressing tho hope for an honourable'-, agreement on issues "apparently so capable of adjustment." It would be indeed deplorable if the appeal to reason and common sense should fail, for a settlement by force would bo the only alternative.