First Edition. HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 77, 21 March 1914, Page 6

First Edition. HOME RULE FOR IRELAND.

SUGGESTED REFERENDUM.

HEATED DEBATE.

"A MASQUERADE AND A SHAM.'

[ByElkotbio Tklegbaph—Goptbioht XCKOTD PbEBS ASSOCIATION.! (Received 12.5 p.m.) London, March 19.

Mr Asquith .dissented from, the proposition regarding Army duty, but agreed that bloodshed was never justifiable if another course were possible. He asked if a referendum favored the Government,, would it carry authority to the Government to coerce Ulster. Mr Bonar Law nodded assent amidst loud Ministerial cheers. Mr Bonar Law added that he was willing to accept a referendum without plural voting. "Mr Asquith concluded without making a definite promise regarding the referendum. . , ■■ Sir Edward Carson asked if the Government were in earnest,' why not exclude Protestant Ulster until Parliament otherwise ordered. The Government's' proposals in its present form were "not worth. Ulster's consideration.. If the Premier gave a firm offer, of a referendum he was prepared to accept its decision. - Mr Devlin followed, and accused Sir Edward Carson of commencing life as a Nationalist and deserting to the enemy.

, Sir Edward Carson interjected that it was an infamous "^ e

. The Speaker, interjected, and Sir Edward' CarsoA substituted 1 "wilful falsehood." . ..*,'■

-Mr Devlin", contimung, said the proceedings in. Ulster were a masquerade and a sham.

MR ASQUITH AND THE KING.

THE CENSURE MOTION.

(Received 12.20 p.m.) London, March 19

Mr Asquith had a prolonged interviewwith the King prior to the debate, and also with Lord Stamfordham, who was present throughout the" recent debates. The House of Commons was crowded.

Mr Rail our, .who was hurriedly summoned from Gttirns, entered during the debate and was cheered. Mr Bonar Law, in moving the vote of censure, said in view of Mr Churchill's speech and Mr Asquith's approval, thejsituation was more dangerous than ever. It' ; was not true that the Opposition, had demanded details in order tot?btain"aiaTgei , ~target for their fire, if the Premier chose to introduce into the Bill suggestions in the direction of submitting the question in a referendum to the country. Lord Lahsdownewould be willing to use his influence in the Lords to induce them to:offer no objection to carrying out"ihe "people's decision. If it were only a question of disorder, the army would, and ought to, obey, but if it came to civil war, the soldiers were citizens like the rest of the people.

.THE VOTE DEFEATED.

(Received 1 p.m.) London, March 19. ■ The vote of censure; was defeated by 315 votes to 252.