Ireland

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 3, 2 August 1916, Page 5

Ireland

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS. THE APPOINTMENT OF MR DUKE. Press Association—Copyright. -Renter's Telegrams London, August 1. In the House of Commons, Mr Asquith, replying to Mr Dillon, declared that Ulster could not be brought : under Home Rule without her conisent. Homo Ilulo could not be removed from the Statute Book. Recent, negotiations although they had broken down had revealed an approximation of attitude and created a now situation. The House was dealing with a period of transition, and in a short time, shorter than some people imagined, they would bo able jto arrive at some permanent arrangejment. It was necessary, however, to have a civil executive. He expressed the opinion that the scheme for the creation of a Provisional Council for advising the Chief Secretary was impracticable. It was important to have an effective head for civil administration. Mr Duke had not only administrative capacity, but was actuated by sympathy for the Irish people and the desire for a settlement. Mr Asquith did not think it right under the existing conditions, to reduce the military force in Ireland. Ho paid a tributo to General Maxwell, who always leaned towards mercy. The Lord Lieutenancy must be maintained, but, as a matter or urgency, he would nominate the occupant. At present, Mr Chalmers was remaining as Under-Secretary. He stated that tlie cases of 1844 Irish prisoners had boon investigated, 1272 released and 569 interned. It must not be supposed there was no prima facie case against those released. He hoped to arrange a substantial treasury loan to rebuild the places destroyed in Dublin. Although there was a remarkable ibsenco of ordinary agrarian crime in Ireland, there had been a recrudescence of Sinn Feinism in somo districts in a most aggressive form. There was also a deplorable manifestation of sympathy with the enemy. He believed the vast majority were loyal to the core, but there were anarchial forces at work requiring vigilance.

■ Mr Redmond said that any revival of Dublin Castlo would be serious, but the establishment of a Unionist executive would be an outrage on Irish feelings. Ho protested against any such proposal. It would be the duty of his party to watch, criticise, and, if necessary, oppose the new administration as thoy pleased. There would never now be civil war in Ireland, and, when the time was ripe, all differences would be peacefully settled. The goal of a "United Ireland" wheroto Sir E. Carson, like himself, turned, would be reached, .please God through methods of peace and amity.

Continuing, Mr Redmond said: "Nothing has happened, and nothing could happen to alter my views about the war. This is not only the Empire's war, but a war on behalf of small nationalities, and in a very special sense Ireland's war. The highest interests of Ireland required her to do her duty and win the. war. The Government must not allow the mad outbreak of a thousand men to make them forget 150,000 Irishmen were fighting on the battlefields of France. Tens of thousands of Irishmen from the Dominions were also performing the same gallant tasks." Lord Hugh Cecil insisted on the Government enforcing law and order. Mr Bonar Law said the Unionist, members of the Cabinet were prepared to adopt a settlement, but if the Unionists were able to prevent it Home Rule would never come into operation without an amending Bill which carried out the agreement with Ulster fairly.

Mr Devlin said the Government seemed to think the Irishmen were rrood for nothing except the division lobbies. If ever he marched again he hoped it would bo for the purpose of clearing the present coalition out of office. He had never agreed to Mr Lloyd George's proposals because it was a temporary war measure. The sending of the Unionist Chief Secretary to Dublin Castle would make things more hideous than ever, and was a travesty of statesmanship.