ULSTER AND THE IRISH SETTLEMENT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2809, 29 June 1916, Page 5

ULSTER AND THE IRISH SETTLEMENT

WHY LORD SELBORNE RESIGNED DISAGREEMENT ON ,THE PROPOSALS By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright London, Juno 27. In tho House of Lords, Lord Sclborno nmdo a personal explanation regarding liis resignation of tho Presidency of the Board of Agriculture. He stated' that tho original basis of Mr. Lloyd George's inquiry in Ireland was that Home Rule should not operate until the restoration of peace. He (Lord Sclborno) was not prepared to adviso His Majesty that. Home Rule could wisely and safely be brought in during the war. Ho had learned during the Whitsuntide recess that the basis of settlement had beeu changed, and that it was now contemplated to introduce a Bill to operate during tbe war. Accordingly he immediately placed his resignation in Mr. Asquith's hands.

Lord Selborne added that lie did not consider that the moment had yet arrived to debate these great matters, and it would be in the public interest if he were content briefly to review the developments. When tho war broke out, the main principle for which tho Unionists had contended for thirty years had been decided ; against them, but the Ulster question was not. decided. Tho Unionists had agreed to accept that as an accomplished fact, and not to attempt during the war to revivo tho controversy. Mr. Asquith had returned from his visit to Ireland impressed b,V the general desire for a settlement, and entrusted Mr. Lloyd George to make Inquiry, to gather tho best opinions and Suggestions, and report to the Cabinet, which would decide. '• Although he (Lord Selborne) regarded the Homo Rule policy as dangerous, the Homo Rule Act was workable. He had'always laboured for the exclusion of Ulster, and considered that the welfare of tho United Kingdom and the Empire demanded that Home Rule should be given a fair trial. He was prepared to agreo to an immediate arrangement for the exclusion of Ulster, provided that neither tho principal nor tho amending Act should operate until peace was achieved. Ireland was gravely-disturbed, and a constitutional change of such magnitude in war time would bo more perilous than any other course.

The Marquis of Crewe expressed iho Government's regret a t Txiitl Relborne'a resignation. Lord Relborne had filled the office with credit and distinction. He agreed that it was not the time to deba£n the Irish question. ( Lord Salisbury said that _ many mysteries surrounding Iho question remained, and a debate was advisable at the earliest moment.'. *te upoealed to tlio Marqnis of Crewe !o make a statement to-morrow. The Marquis of Crowe said he could not give a promise. A DIFFICULT SITUATION OTHER CABINET RESIGNATIONS PENDING. (Roc. Juno 28, 10.50 p.m.) London, June 28. Tho Irish situation continues to fce difficult. It is understood that Mr. W. H. Long: has resigned, and 'that there is a possibility of the resignation of Lord Cur* zon. The meeting of the Unionists has been postponed. Mr. Asquith and Mr. Lloyd George _ji> ccived a Unionist deputation from tna West and South of Ireland and,the City of Dublin, representing four hundred thousand loyalists, protesting against the proposed settlement. The "Times" and ."Daily Mail" demand that 'the Unionists shall accept Mr. Lloyd George's sottlemcnt proposals.