THE IRISH PROBLEM

Southland Times, Issue 18826, 20 May 1920, Page 4

THE IRISH PROBLEM

HOME RULE BILL,

FEDERAL SYSTEM IN FAVOUR. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 18.' (Received May 20, 1.1(5 a.m.) The House cf Commons is discussing the Home Rule Bill. Sir J. G. Honre moved an amendment establishing a second chamber in the Parliaments of both Southern and Northern Ireland. Mr Long said the Government desired to make their proposals part of a federal plan in which Great Britain and Ireland would participate in a Central Parliament, which would be in London. The Government believed that in a federal system the beet security for the minority would be found in a central Parliament. The Government proposed definitely to accept the principle of a second chamber, but it must be considered for example, whether the second chamber should be nominated or elected. He undertook that the Government would later submit a definite scheme for each of the two Irish Parliaments. He emphasised that the second chamber must be so constituted as to provide real protection for the minority. Mr Long emphasised that this would involve a great change in the structure of the Bill. Although the change was absolutely consistent with the fundamental principle of the Bill, namely the establishment of a federal system he pointed out that the way was a difficult question. General Seely urged that Mr Long’s proposals should be not long delayed. Any delay in handling the Irish question might fatally affect relations with America and also with the Empire. Sir Edward Carson deprecated mention of America (cheers). It was high time America or (he pretended spokesmen for America learned that we were still a great Power and not subordinate to America or any other Great Power. We never meddled with exclusively American questions, even for electioneering purposes. Sir J. G. Hoare then withdrew his amendment. The Government opposed an amendment by Lord Robert Cecil providing that the North of Ireland should remain in all respects part of the United Kingdom. The amendment was rejected by 203 votes to SO, Mr dynes’ amendment in favour of the deletion of an essential clause establishing separate Parliaments in the North and South of Ireland was defeated by 213 to 01.