“TO THE BITTER END.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 51, 31 October 1913, Page 5

“TO THE BITTER END.”

HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.

“A SKELETON IN THE CLOSET.”

JBy Electiug Telegraph—Copyright] 1 UNITED i'KESS -UaSOCIAXION.J

London, October 30,

Mr Bonar Law said mat tile Unionises opposed tiome Rule because it was an mtoleraole injustice to force Lister out of the muon against its will. He Believed that the irisli Parliament was a clanger to the nation and to tlie Empire and the national tragedy to wiiica it was drifting 'it the Government’s policy was earned out must rest with the "Government. The Unionists were prepared to abide by an appeal to the people. Mr Asquith’s declaration that he had a mandate from the people was absolutely unfounded. Such a claim could only 7 be made by a blind partisan, and was an insult to people or intelligence. Home Rule, continued Mr Bonar Law, . had been kept as a skeleton in the closet. A wonderful land campaign had been sprung on the country to distract attention from Home Rule. The Chancellor had been w isely chosen, as a crusader, for which he possessed all the qualities. (Laughter). Mr Lloyd-Georgo was a crooked sixpence, or the Radicals would have behind him more colossal and ludicrous failures than ever before hung round the neck of a statesman. Even if the Government possessed a Home Rule mandate, a new fact had emerged, altering the situation—namely, that Ulster refused to submit unless conquered. Therefore, the people had to decide whethei Ulster should be dragooned. It was the Government’s duty to assert the law if it did not exceed the powers entrusted by the nation, but tne Government’s view was' thac the executive could not do wrong. If the Government exceeded its powers n ceased to be a constitutional Government. There were three alternatives for the Government: —First to go fuL steam ahead, but that way “madness lies.” Secondly, to obtain the people’s judgment, and that was the Government’s duty. Thirdly, to try and arrange a settlement and obviate civil war. The moment .the Government carried the Bill, a collision was ihevi- | table, after w liicb an election would annihilate the Government. He was ready to make any sacrifice short of the national interests to secure a settlement. He would cordially consider any proposals that Mr Asqui th might Submit. : i

Sir E. Carson, following Mr Bonaj Law, declared that he would no more be intimidated than Mr Asquith. He would consider all, overtures to Ulster when put in plain language, and submit them with the best advice to those who trusted him. But till the Government made any offer it was useless unless consistent with the covenant to which the Government had driven Ulster. If no offer were made, lie would hejtp his comrades to fight to Hie bitter end.’

A FOREIGN LEGION. ,

Toronto, October 30

The Press publishes stories outlie formation of a Unionist League for the enrolling of ex-soldiers to fight on behalf of Ulster. Fifteen hundred are already available. Other cities, it is reported, are preparing to render pid.

RESIST BY ARIWED FORCE.

Times—Sydney Sun Special Cables

London, October 30

Lord Londonderry, stating that Mr Asquith would employ an army to shoot down the Ulsterites, observed that if that happens “I will be there with the men of Ulster. There are a hundred thousand ready to resist Home Rule by armed force)!’