CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1921, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

fHEJRISHJ’FIQBLEW. s AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. i BRITISH PARLIAMENT. I LLOYD GEORGE’S SPEECH. < LONDON, December 15. t In bis speech on the Irish terms Mr : Llovd George said that the articles : of the agreement had been received i everywhere with satisfaction and jo\, and had ben acclaimed throughout the i Dominions and l»y the Allios. Two great races he said, had now- decided < to work together in partnership. He appealed to the members to say nothing during, the debate, which would endanger these nations’ lasting friendship. The main operation of the scheme was to give Ireland a Dominion status as a Free State within the Empire with its common citizenship, owing and swearing its allegiance to the King. The Irish would rule their own hearths and finance legislation. In (connection with foreign affairs, however, it was well to remember that Britain bad sole control thereover, which was vested in the Empire as a whole. Ireland would share in the rights and responsibilities bt the Empire, participating with the other I* ree States ii\ discussions regarding Empire policy. Ireland’s history, he continued, had to be considered, in addition to her constitution and the temperament of her people. It would be useless to apple dominion Home Rule as in a general case. They had also to consider religious animosity, and the new fuel which the recent events had added to the old flames. Tlio greater difficulties concerned Ulster. These did not arise in connection with the other Dominion. If the state of things marking the last few years had continued, they would have all Ireland’s youth trained as soldiers. Therefore, in the interests of the Empire and of Ireland, a limit had been proposed to these armaments. The whole forces in Ireland in future would not exceed 40,000. Referring to the navy, he said Ireland would never be likely to raise any formidable navy. Ireland would take her share in defending her coast, nnd also in helping Britain to defend liars. Defence of these islands, however, must, be left to the British navy. On the question of tariffs he said, they were reluctant that Ireland should have the right to put any tariff on British goods; but it must bo remembered that Ireland was more dependent on British trade than Britain was dependent on Ireland. They were, lie said, arguing with Ulster, and not coercing her at all. All they were doing was to recommend Ulster to accept the principle of an All-Ireland Parliament. She had the option of joining or of remaining as she was. It was proposed to establish a Boundary Commission. No one could say whether Ulster’s boundary would be increased or diminished. The wishes of the inhabitants would be consid--1 ered.

He said the Crown forces would be withdrawn from Ireland when there was a Provisional Government established. It had !>een said that the Irish problem might have been settled years ago, but wise statesmanship was the knowledge of when to act. He himself did not believe that this could have been done 12 months ago, because public opinion was not ripe. The present agreement brought both credit and strength to the Empire. “In future,” lie concluded, “our peril will be Ireland’s peril; and our victory will bo her glory.” (Cheers). Lord Curzon said that the chief credit for the settlement lay with the Prime Minister. When things were at their worst Mr Lloyd George had never despaired. This agreement meant a peace with honour for Ireland, as she had obtained the status of a Dominion and all the attributes and prerogatives of .self-government. Mr dynes said he regarded the Treaty as a lasting, beneiieient settlement of trouble which has lasted for generations. LONDON, December 15. In the Commons debate Sir H. Thomas created a storm by demanding to know "Who started the rebellion in Ireland? Who first imported arms?” This was met by Unionist shouts of “Order, withdraw.” “I have been listening to Lord Curson's speech,” said Sir TI. Thomas " ml it is a most mischievous speech. If anyone might be impeached for treason it is that noble Lord himself.” This evoked loud cries of “Withdraw! Sit down!” The Chamber got into an uproar. Sir H. Thomas refused to sit down. The Speaker ruled him out of order. Colonel Gretton will submit an amendment to the Address-in-Reply regretting a settlement involving the surrender of Crown lights in Ireland and giving power to establish in. pendent army and navy, requiring further sacrifices from Ulster and not safeguarding the Southern lovalists.

LORDS DISCUSS TREATY. i SPEECH BY CARSON. 1 LONDON, Dec. 14. In the House of Lords, Lord Morle.v moved the Addrcss-in-Reply. He said that he did not envv the Englishman or the Irishman who refused to re-echo the sentiments that were expressed by the King regarding a reconciliation between Britain and Ireland. He did not think that the Government of Ireland during the past years had been such as any political conscience could approve. He. pleaded for a continuance of the spirit which made this day “the • most historic and memorable among the spacious moments of our history." ' laird Dunraven seconded the Address. He said that he would devote what little time remained to him to doing his best to make this great instrument of reconciliation fulfil all that its authors could desire. He believed that in a little while they would find all Irishmen helping one another.

Lord Crewe said that it could fairly ho claimed that this Treaty was not a separatist one in any way. He hoped that Irishmen and Ulstermen would make the best of things, and would see whether they were not able to carry out the agreement in a manner which would not hnmi themselves civilly or religiously. T.ord Carson in tlte House of Lords,

made a fierce denunciation of the socalled treaty which he said, was due to England being beaten to the knee by Sinn Fein. Speaking in the House of Lords on the Irish Treaty, Lord Edward Carson denounced the proposals in regard to Ireland. He said they were treachery. They marked, he said, the obsequies of the Unionist Party. It was dead and buried, and this without a consultation with its followers by its leaders and its trustees, who, he declared were sent into the Government to protect them. The Prime Minister, said Lord Car- i son, was conceding to Ireland what he had frequently and solemnly declared could never he granted, consistent with the safety of the Empire. “If these things are to be done,” Carson declared “without consulting the country, let us at once establish an autocracy in Downing Street, and do away with the Lords and Commons.’ Continuing his speech, Lord Carson said that there never had been a greater outrage attempted upon constitutional liberty. He asked did the Government think the country would be “taken in” by this manufactured Glorification of what the Government was pleased to call a Treaty? Its terms were passed with revolver at the head of the Government and the Government knew that Sinn Fein had beaten them. He declared it was an awful confession to make to the Empire. “From the beginning to the end of the document,” lie said, “there is nothing except England lieaten to her knees by Gunmen .and assassins. England now says she is willing to scuttle, and leave everybody who supported her to the tender mercies of assassins. What a fool I have been in the past. I was the puppet. So has Ulster been, to got the Conservative Party into power. The most loathsome are those who sold their friends for the purpose of conciliating enemies. The constant preaching at Ulster is nauseating. Ulster lias stuck only too well to England, and because she is loyal you kick her as you like. I promise you Ulster will keep out or the Irish Union, in spite of the bogey that she will have to pay more if she keeps out. You have tried to make Ulster’s position impossible. ] believe vou told the Sinn Fein delegates to do so. Why has Sinn lein been given any army, if not to invade Ulster. Is it to invade America, or the Isle of Man?” Lord Carson, in conclusion, said Me warned the Government not to do anything to stir Ulster against the Empire. M c said: “Do you recognise we tried to help you? Don’t do anything to turn us out.” . The House of Lords then adjourned. WILL BRITAIN RATIFY? LONDON, Dec. 15. There is a belief now existing in , Dublin that the British House of Com- , moos may not ratify tlm Treaty after i all. Apparently Bail Eireatm is anxious 1 not to hurry towards Irish ratification 1 until the House of Commons has voted. It is announced there will be an- . other private session of Dail Eireann to-day, and a public one on I'riday.

IRISH PARLIAMENT OPENED. LONDON, Dec 15. The Dail Eireann sat in the large Chamber of the Irish University College which was deoorated in considerable style. The members sot on re<w cloth benches. The Speaker sits on the x platform, facing them. ‘ Mr de Valera has taken a seat on the front bench, on the Speaker s left as though he already had taken the vole of Leader of the Opposition. Mr Griffiths and Mr Collins sat on the Speaker’s right. ~ : The military fighting heads of the Irish gunmen are apparently among Mr Griffiths’ supporters. . y feature of the gathering was the -vduthfulness of the members, as an astonishing number appeared boys. 1 \<j proceedings made it plain that Dad Eireann had not learned order in debate. as the Speaker had no easy task. One amendment after another was moved, until some bewildered members asked what was being discussed. It was evident, however, that the main bodv of Dail Eireann were anxious that the terms of the Treaty should be discussed in public. This Messrs Griffiths and Collins desired. Mr de Valera’s backers favoured a private session, wherein it would be possible for them to speak with more freedom. The only exciting item of the sitting was Mr Collins’ duel with Mr de Valera. He presented an awkward, but an impressive figure. His voice is a metallic one. He indulged in no rhetoric, but with sharp emphasis liis words went home. The duel, however, wab only one of skirmishing for position whereon Mr de A'alern sought to put upon the plenipotentiaries the responsibility for the Cabinet Bplit. LONDON, Dec 15. In the Dail Eireann, Michael Collins summed up liis position by saying that Ireland was free either to accept or to reject the Treaty. “If Dail Eireann do not accept.” he said, “I will be relieved of all responsibility.” Mr Collins bngrily countered the suggestion that the plenipotentiaries had exceeded their duty, effectively quoting Mr de Valera’s own'instructions to the plenipotentiaries.

j DE VALERA’S OBJECTIONS, j LONDON, Dec 14. ' At the Dail Eireann session Mr De i Valera, complained that the final test Valera complained that the final text •ted for the Irish Cabinet’s approval, though it differed considerably from the previous text. On that ground,' he could not sign it. Mr Collins became angry when he vehemently denied that he was a traitor. Later on, Mr Collins crossed the floor and conversed with Mr De Valera. Tlio representatives of the World’' Press are the only members of the public admitted to the Dail Eireann session. | ULSTER PARLIAMENT. LONDON, Dec. 15. ‘ The Ulster Parliament has been prorogued. The Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, in his speeeli on the occasion, said that lie earnestly prayed that the efforts of the British Government to secure peace in Ireland might meet with success, so that when the Ulster Parliament is next summoned, it will be under far

different circumstances. POLICE SHOT. • LONDON, Dec. 14 A police sergeant named Maher, was shot dead and a constable named Callow was badly wounded last night on Castlegreen, at Ballybuntiion. Lorries laden with police had goue thither front Jjistoffel