THE IRISH QUESTION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 241, 11 April 1912, Page 5

THE IRISH QUESTION

A UNIONIST DEMONSTRATION. ' »7 Cable —Preis Association —Copyright. London, April 9. Special trains ran to Belfast from all .parts of the country for the Unionist demonstration. The procession occupied three hours. Sir Edward Carson presided at a mammoth gathering. Mr. Bonar Law said that the Unionist* regarded Ulster's cause as the cause of the Empire. The '-nation of an Irish Parliament, even if ii were friendly to England, would involve friction, and in the event of war England's difficulty would "be Ireland's opportunity. Running such a risk was ganftling with national security. A resolution expressing unalterable opposition to a separate Parliament was carried.

ANTI-HOME RULE DEMONSTRATION. MR. BONAR LAW'S APPEAL. Received 10, 11 p.m. London, April 10. The Home Rule protest procession included 140,000 members of clubs and lodges, and was three miles long. The route was crowded with spectators. The Primate's prayers for the protection of true religion were followed by the singing of "Oh God Our Help." Then the Right Hon. Sir E. Carson asked the meeting to hold up their hands in solemn affirmation that never under any circumstances would they have Home Rule. The meeting replied in the affirmative. After unfurling an immense Union Jack the crowd uncovered and sang the National Anthem.

'Mr. Bonar Law said there was no hope of a majority of the House of Commons breaking down. The Government, he said, had turned the House of Commons into a market place, hut were unable to sell Ulster, which held the key to the position. The whole history of fee modern world was a movement towards closer union with Great Britain, who were the empire builders of the world, and were asked to begin disintegration. The Unionist policy was to restore land purchase and develop the resources of Ireland. There was a renewed ovation to Mr. Bonar Law on his .returning to Belfast. Speaking from the deck of the steamer, he declared that if Home Rule were forced through, "God help Ulster, but heaven help the Government!"