THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1918, Page 1

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

EFFORT TO SOLVE IT. rAUSTRALIAN it N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION’] LONDON January 22. Supreme efforts will bo made during the next few days to settle the Irish question. MR, WILSON’S ATTITUDE. (Reuter’s Telegram.) LONDON January 22, The “Times” Washington cornyspondent in an important dispatch, states that President Wilson dins informed the Hon A. J- Balfour of the vital bearing of the Irish problem on America’s war efforts. The correspondent adds: “America no longer regards the Irish question as British, but as one deeply affecting the whole civilised world. Even official circles in America strongly feel that in the event of a collapse of the Irish Convention, the British Government must accept the report ol the majority of the Convention on the matter ol’ Irish government, and must enforced it upon the minority.” “The United States,” says the correspondent, “are eager to generously assist in the establishment of industries iu Ireland if Ireland is given colonial autonomy. Congress would vote a loan of a hundred million u lavs, and an immense amount of American capital would be invested in Irish industries.” CAR SON’S RESIGNATION. A LETTER. OF EXPLANATION. [AUSTRALIAN <fc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & REUTER.] LONDON January 22.

The Press Bureau states that, Sir K. Carson wrote to the Premier as follows: “When 1 joined the Government, 1 had no consideration except the prosecution -of the war. I did not anticipate that the question of Irish government was to be reopened during the war. When the Convention was proposed I thought it right to influence the Ulsterites to participate. Owing t» my dual position as member of the Government and as Leader of the Ulsterites, I stood aloof ; from the Convention’s proceedings. The current Convention’s proceedings may lead to the situation demanding that the governments make a decision upon grave matters of policy in Ireland. Therefore, pwing to .the prominent part which I have taken in the Home Rule tout rove rsey and to my pledges to Ulster, I desire to be unfettered iu forming a judgment upon whatever new situation may arise. I. _ determined to resign solely upon these considerations.”

Mr Lloyd George replied, expressing his deepest regret, recognising Sir E. Carson’s special difficulties, ppying a tribute to his services in the nation’s councils, and accepting his resignation. CARSON’S SUCCESSOR. S LONDON January 22. The ‘Daily Express’ states that Hon. Walter Long will probably succeed Sir 'Edward Carson. ON PATRIOTIC GROUNDS. (Received, This Oav at S.oO. a.mA OTTAWA, Jan. 23. Sir Frederick Smith says the resignation of Sir Edward Carson was undoubtedly taken on patriotic grounds. TTo is ready t.o support, the Government’s war measures; also to use hisinfluence with his own party. The Home Rule Convention might fail, so the British Government will not. lie responsible. The matter is entirely one for Irishmen themselves, hut if they failed Government is likely to interfere.