HOME RULE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 647, 28 February 1914, Page 2

HOME RULE.

* PREMIER FIRM. SECOND READING BEFORE EASTER. By Telegraph..—Press Association.— Copyrifjiit Lonon, Thursday Supporting hiß motion calling upon the Government to explain its intentions with regard to the Home Rule Bill, Mr B. G. Falle, in the House of Commons, urged that it was imperative upon the Premier to submit bis alterations to the bill without delay. His motion waß negtaived by 311 votes to 238. The Premier, Mr Asquith, said there was no indication that the country was adverse to the bill, and no reason for the Government to hoist the white flag. He did not intend to abandon the bill or to yield to the menace of physical force. The Home Rule Bill would be read a second time after the end of the financial year, and before Easter. The Government would then explain its proposals. He waß not going to be browbeaten into a course which would embarrass the prospects of basing Irish self-government on a foundation of consent and goodwill. Mr Bonar Law, Leader of the Opposition, said the Premier was still drifting. The Government could go to ths country or exclude Ulster. He would regard any other proposal as a declaration of war. The sooner the Government's decision was known the better. For the first time in 250 yearß one of the great political parties had solemnly declared it would assist Ulster in resisting the Government. (Crieß of "Cheers and of "Shame.") Mr Bonar Law retorted that he was going to speak frankly. It was the duty of the Unionists inside and outBide of Parliament to make it impossible for the Government to commit a great crime. Mr W. O'Brien aaid the exclusion of Ulster waa the one amendment which could not be made. A motion approving the Premier's statement was paßsed by 311 votes to 238.