IRISH HOME RULE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 90, 15 April 1912, Page 5

IRISH HOME RULE.

THE BILL IX THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. DIVIDED CRITICISM. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrigi t.) (United Press Association.) London, April 13. The absence of any reference .to general devolution in the preamble of the Bill has been commented on, as it was understood that it would be included a few weeks ago. Many Liberals arc prepared to accept the Bill as the beginning of a Federal scheme, but consider the giving of power to vary Customs and excise will be an obstacle to federalism. If England, Scotland and Wales were similarly invested it would create hopeless confusion. The measure has aroused little enthusiasm in Dublin. Criticism in Irish centres questions the nominated Senate and the financial provisions. A few Nationalists share the Freemans Journal’s opinion. The average view is that the Bill is neither bold nor generous. Disappointment is expressed at the refusal of fiscal autonomy. Members of the Sinn Fein reject the Bill with contempt. The Nationalists intend to attempt, in Committee, to secure power to deal with lands purchase. They believe that they will be able to arrange this with the Government. Mr Keir Hardie, speaking at Banbury, declared that the Government was growing stale. It is doubtful if it will last the two years necessary to carry Home Rule. Mr O’Brien is calling a convention in the Cork districts in sympathy with his policy, to consider the Bill. CONSTITUTION OF THE SENATE. (Received 15, 8.5 a.ra.) London, April 14. Bishop Kelly, Bishop of Ross, declared that those who had been demanding Gladstonian Home Rule as the high-water mark of self government must be delighted with the Bill, which excels former measures in every respect. It restores the ancient parliament with the further valuable improvement in an executive responsible thereto. Mr T. O’Connor, in a speech at an Irish League gathering, said the opponents of the Bill seized a particulai point—namely, the constitution of the Senate. If that was the only issue the Nationalists were open to deal with the matter. The newspaper, “The Irish Independent,” while accepting the broad principles, finds that the Bill has many great flaws and imperfections requiring drastic amendment. HOUSE OF LORDS' ACTION (Received 15, 9.5 a.m.) Sydney, April 14. The Irish envoys, Messrs Redmond and Donovan, are delighted with the Home Rule Bill. Mr Redmond says it will pass the House of Commons and he rejected by the House of Lords, but under the Veto Act the House of Lords cannat delay the passage more than two years. ; L' ;, SOUTH AFRICAN OPINION. (Received 15, 9.40 a.m.) Capetown, April 14. Views of the Home Rule Bill are conflicting. The Cape Argus says the financial part of tire Bill is the weakest. The Cape Times fears the disintegrating effects of the measure. The South African News approves the Bill, but thinks the safeguards for Ulster are excessive. The Rand Daily Mail and Leader support the Bill but the Star opposes it. The newspapers at Durban oppose the Bill, but those at Maritzburg support it. The Bloemfontein Friend unreservedly commends the Bill.