"Terrible Agony."

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 36, 12 February 1914, Page 5

"Terrible Agony."

HOME RULE FOR IRELAND. DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press .Association.] London, February 11. In the House of Commons, Air W. ill. Long, in a speech marked by sin.cerity and earnestness, denied the Unionists were sowing disloyalty in i the army, though it was true there ; was great anxiety that many soldiers 'would send in their commissions rather than fight Ulster. He asked if the defensive forces were so strong that the Government was prepared to run this great risk. The Government ishould produce its proposals without idelay. There was no justification for [prolonging the terrible agony of the i Irish people. Mr Asquith had a great reception. He declared the recent by-elec-tions indicated no change in regard to Home Hide. A dissolution would be useless, and would reduce' the Parliament Act to a nullity or might result in a condition of stalemate. If the Opposition were victorious, they would have to face the problem of governing Ireland, where three-four-ths would he bitterly disappointed. He asked, if the Liberals gained a majority, would Ulster lay down her arms? There was no reason why Ulster should change its opinion because a number of British electors, imperfectly informed on Irish affairs; and more interested in land and tariff reform, or the Insurance Bill, chose co say so. He asked the Opposition if they would give a guarantee that the measure approved by the electorates should pass into law. Sir Edward Carson interjected: Will you-drop Home Rule? Mr Asquith replied: There is no parity between the two positions. You control the House of Lords. If flic matter can he settled by something in the nature or a general agreement, it is much better sectled here and now. He regretted his conversations with Air Bonar Law had failed to attain an agreement, but he did not despair of the possibility of a settlement, and thought the passage in the King’s Speech was echoed in every corner of the House. Mr Asquith added that he was not even going to pronounce final judgment against the. exclusion of Lister, though even the Opposition regarded it as undesirable' and only a nieans of escape from more formidable evils. Personally, be favored Sir Horace Plunkett's- plan.,pf. including lister

with the option of exclusion after a time. He concluded by saying that my concessions must he regarded as die price of peace—peace winch would enable the Irish Ooveninjent to start in a proper atmosphere, and give it i fair chance of working successfully. Be could not belive the country would be reduced to such insolvency ol

statesmanship that it could not, wu an honest mind and goodwill, avoid the evils and dangers ahead. Dir--1 >ctly the necessary financial business was completed, the Government would put forward suggestions to secure a settlement. After Mr Asquith’s speecll the debate languished. Mr Lough said Ulster’s opposition would be largely met by the adoption of proportional representation in the Irish Parliament. Mr Austen Chamberlain revived the debate with a speech of great vivacity. The House was crowded. He said the Premier claimed having ieceived a mandate from the people. Did he ask for a mandate to wage civil war? Did he receive the electors’ authority to use British troops to shoot down fellow citizens in Ulster who felt they have been robbed of their rights and privileges by procedure begun in fraud and to he, conjsummated by force? If the Govern(inent could not think kindly of Ulstermen, let them think for a moment that Ulstermen were Greeks or Armenians. The Liberals would then sympathise loudly and proclaim they were rightly struggling to be free. Mr Chamberlain concluded by asking if the Government meant to exclude Ulster would they secure for her the same rights that Britain enjoyed? If the Government answered “yes” the danger of civil war would bo averted. If not, civil war jwas certain. Exclusion was only possible on the basis of peace, but it would not make the Bill good or safe. Mr Simon moved the adjournment. A similar debate took place in the House of Lords. Lord Middleton moved that it would be disastrous to proceed with Home Rule. Lord Morloy repeated Mr Asquith’s arguments that the Government realised the vast importance to Ulster. The debate was adjourned. CONTINUING THE DEBATE. THE EXCLUSION POLICY. (Received 10.10 a.m.) London, February 11. Sir John Simon (Solicitor-General) < contrasted Mr Asquith's and Mr Chamberlain’s speeches, and said that the latter was not conciliatory. Sir Edward Carson replied, arguing that the situation was intolerable, inasmuch as the Unionists, pending Mr Asquith’s suggestions were asked to vote on the Estimates, including pay to the Army, which the Liberals threaten to send to Ulster. If the Government proposed Ulster’s exclusion, ho would consult Ulstermen. He added that Mr Redmond did not want Ulster’s affections, only her taxes. Mr Redmond repudiated 1 the charge | as one of the unworthy motives which j

had been imputed' to them. Xationdists shared to the full the desire or a peaceful solution, although he, lid not share the tragic view of the possibilities of civil war. Exclusion of Ulster could never be the solution. Lord Lorobnrn, in the House of Lords’ debate on the Address, said the time had come when the stage of reticence regarding Home Rule ought to he abandoned and everybody should submit their views. GREAT PRAYER MEETING. ASQUITH “MARKING TIME.” (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, February 11. A great prayer meeting was held u 'Wellington Hall, Belfast, eomprisug all denominations, and synchronisng with the assembling of Parlianeiit. Tae Duke of Portland who is in he House of Lords, contributed a .peech, which was descriptive of Ulster’s preparation, which he said he md watched recently. Sir Edward Carson, in an interview, -aid; “Mr Asquith’s speech carries us no further. He is simpiy marking time. .Nothing was said to induce Ulstermen to relax preparations.” “IT STRENGTHENED THE BOND.” (Received 10..‘10 a.m.) Sydney, February !-. Commenting on the Speech from the Throne and Home Rule, the “'Telegraph,” in a leader, says: “In the experience of Australia, Canada, South Africa and Xew Zealand, a most gratifying result followed the extension to the people of complete control of local affairs. Instead of weakening the Empire and inspiring' la desire for separation it strength-j jeiied the Imperial bond.” j