THE HOME RULE QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 179, 27 January 1912, Page 5

THE HOME RULE QUESTION.

MR. CHURCHILL'S DECISION. BLOODSHED AND RIOT FORECASTED. By Gable—Press Association—Copyright. London, January 25. Mr. Churchill will persist in his visit to Belfast, and will be accompanied by the Master of Elibank. Many newspapers forecast bloodshed and riot. Many Unionist clubs in Ireland are arranging to send members to Belfast to prevent Mr. Churchill's speech. The Belfast Harbor Commissioners, replying to Mr. Churchill's suggestion to inspect the harbor and docks, replied that February 9 was not a convenient day.

THE ULSTER HALL London, January 25. Mr. Churchill has written to Lord Londonderry informing him that, while he is determined to speak at Belfast, he will forego the nse of the Ulster Halt rather than arouse ' Orangemen's feelings.

EMPLOYMENT OF TROOPS. FEARS ENTERTAINED. A LETTER FROM MR. REDMOND. Received 26, 9.30 p.m. London, January 26. The Times' Dublin correspondent states it is understood that the Irish executive are averse to the employment of troops, fearing if the Unionists resisted, much bloodshed and disorder w»uld ensue, while if they yielded to force it would enable them to prove that Home Rule was only thrust upon Ulster at the bayonet's point. Still there are great risks if Mr. Churchill speaks elsewhere than at the Ulster Ball.

Mr, Redmond, in an article in Reynolds newspaper, declares there is no terror in Ulster of the Orangemen's threats, which are only insolent bluff J They are loyal only in their own bigoted interests. England would be a nation of foola and poltroons if it allowed itself! to be diverted by unpatriotic bellowings' from a great policy binding Ireland to the Empire. Mr.iChttrehill, » v letter to lord Lon« donderry, emphasised the latter's respon--sibiKtytf rioting*occurred. Still it-was Mr. Churchill's duty to keep his promise to Water Liberals, assert-the right of free speech. If the main objection was the use of the Ulster Hall he would ask the Liberal Association to choose whatever hall would least arouse the ill-feeling of Orangemen.