HOME RULE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3766, 25 May 1907, Page 3

HOME RULE.

Ntera -ftelWs Snuggle Than Ever. London, May 22. Mr T. P- O’Connor (M.P. for the Scotland division of Liverpool), addressing members of the Irish League of Great Britain at the Mansion House, Dublin, said the decision of the National Convention to reject Mr Birrell’s Administrative Council Bill imposed new and enlarged duties on the British organisation, and might even impose some change of policy Owing to the badness of the Bill, the unwise counsels given to the Government by officials, divisions of opinion among members of the Government, and their profound and apparently invincible ignorance as to the real sentiment of Ireland, the struggle nfust be recommenced, and must be stronger, sterner, and more energetic than ever. The action of the Convention, added Mr O’Connor, need not retard for one single hour the erection of a great Assembly to make laws for Ireland on Irish soil. All the leading newspapers contain articles commenting on the unqualified rejection of Mr Birrell’s Administrative Council (Dublin) Bill by the Irish National Convention. The Dublin correspondent of The Times says : —“ The general impression is that Mr Redmond recently made a gross political miscalculation, and has now tried to cover up his tracks. Many Unionists fear that the Nationalists will seek to return to popularity on a wave of agrarian agitation.” The Times, emphasising the seriousness of the blow to the Government and to Mr Birrell (Secretary for Ireland), declares that the fate of the Bill must further damage the already waning authority of the Government. Present feelings towards the Irish party will hardly dispose Jhe Government to the audacious ciSthand to proceed with a series of highly contentious measures.

The Daily Chronicle declares that Mr Birrell’s Bill is killed.

The Daily News writes: “This is the end ot the devolution.” The News adds that the shadow of failure has fallen on the hopes of Liberalism. The limits of any possible achievement are painfully narrowed by Mr Redmond’s action. The Tribune says The verdict is decisive and final. ’ * Speaking at the Irish National Convention, the Hon. Frank Connor, a member of the West Australian Legislative Council, declared that the enthusiasm for the Home Rule cause shown in America was rivalled, if not exceeded by the people of the Federal States of Australia. The “ Westminster Gazette ” says Mr Tim Healey killed the Bill. The rejection of a halfmeasure will hardly encourage the Liberal party to proceed with

a whole measure. The Liberals are able to do nothing more until the Nationalists develop a practical frame of mind.

The Morning Post remarks that the Liberals will gain little by Mr Redmond’s giving them the choice between accepting Irish support on terms closely, approximating intimidation and sacrificing the Irish vote.