IRISH AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1918, Page 3

IRISH AFFAIRS.

('()NSC R IFT IO N PROTEST

(Received This Day at 9.13 a.m.) LONDON, April ICV

'Mr T. P. O'Connor, cabled from Shut Francisco to Mr Dillon: —Members «',t the House of Commons must record a: solemn warning against conscription ■"> Ireland. It would be an insane blunder,, and render futile the best efforts of tin* Irish leaders. RON All LAW’S BOLD STAND.

EFFECT ON COMMONS.

Received This Day at 9.50. a.m.)

LONDON

.April 11

The ever ncreasing seriousness of tinnews from the front disclosed in the communiques, strongly influenced the Comons over the second reading of the Man Power Bill. It is evident that, mi one wants a change of Government, still less a general election, so the firmness of Hon. A. Bonar Law in sticking to the letter of the Bill proved a sourci of strength to the Government. His direct challenge to the House to throw out the Government, if they disproved of the extension of- conscription to Ireland, was so bold and uncompromising, that it took eveyy body aback, amt touched the imagination of the maioritv "f the Commoners.

Mr Cave was also loudly cheered for saying—“lt is said resistance will be offered by Ireland. If so, the resistance will be overcome.” DILLON'S BITTER SPEECH. (Received This Dav at 10.L5. '".o' ’ LONDON, April 11.

Mr Dillon’s speech included an intensely bitter attack on General Gough, whom he accused of involving Irish divisions on three separate occasions in disaster. He 'concluded: Irishmen no longer trusted the British Government. If conscription were imposed, Government would have to hold Ireland ior the remainder of the war under strut: military law. THE TOPIC IN DUBLIN. (Received This Dav at 10.15. • ; n 1 LONDON, Apnl 11.

Dublin telegrams state conscription is the only topic of discussion. Tt is understood the Sinn Fein have issued orders to all sections of Irish volunteers iegarding their action, in the event- of conscription. Fiery speeches were madeat many meetings of public bodies against applying the Man Power Bill, to Ireland. Home R,ule was not. dis-" cussed at all. Recruiting authorities are hampered by the fact that there is no register in Ireland. A big effort will be necessary to weed out the many Englishmen,. Scotsmen and Welshmen, who went, to, Ireland to escape military service FRENCH APPROVAL. (Received This Day at 10.15. > PARIS, Aprd 11. The Military Service Bill made an excellent impression in France. The Lc Temps” says Britain, like Franco, has. her existence at stake. British patriotism was never more tenacious than in the time of trial. The “Journal do Debats” says if the Irish are not possessed of the spirit of madness, they ought to accept Home Rule and conscription, and thus enjoy an autonomous regime, and fulfil their Imperial obligations by giving the AlliesArmy 300,00{) men.

CONSCRIPTION DISCUSSED

(Received This Day at 9.50. a.m.) j NEW YORK, April 11. j All the newspapers discuss conscription for Ireland. The New \ ork “Times” says if any Irishmen th™ k " that resistance to conscription will hnc( ; favour in United States, he 18 gros- ] sly mistaken'. It is time that men who talk so much about liberty took part in defending it. The New York “World” says:-- If Ireland is to have Homo Rule, Englishmen have a right to insist that Ireland is not to he exempted from conscription.” The “Sun” remarks it is unbelievable that the Irish prefer German servitude rather than the liberty for which the Allies are fighting. ■ The “Herald” says the Irish won t revolt if their politicians leave then. al The “New York World’s komlon cor- ; respondent interviewed Mr D.llon wh » ! said if the measure were persisted i • an Trial, settlement will become impossible. Irish' Nationalists will resin, i the Dill bv every means m their power. ! Roth North and South Ireland will sol- ‘ idlv oppose conscription, which would ha vie horrible, far-reaching consqu ences. _______