THE HOME RULE CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 114, 30 September 1912, Page 5

THE HOME RULE CRISIS.

I SYMPATHY WITH UISTER. i SIR E. CARSON'S CAMPAIGN. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received 29, 5.5 p.m. : T London, September 27. On the eve of Ulster Day Sir E. Carson issued a message, stating that there ■was a great outburst of enthusiasm in Ulster. The sympathy expressed from every part of the United Kingdom and the Empire had deeply affected his colleagues and himself, and given them renewed strength. They were, he realised, flighting for freedom and for the inspiring ideals of unity of the Empire. London, September 28.

A meeting in Ulster Hall presented Sir G. Canon with the original flag carried before King William in the Battle of the Boyne. There was an extraordinary demonstration. Letters were-read from Mr. Bonar Law, Lord Lansdowne, Mr. Austin Chamberlain and others. Sir E. Carson accepted the flag as a token of victory for civil and religious liberty, and returned it to Colonel Wallace i<r keep as a sacred trust until the con •piracy was killed.

MR. BONAR LAW OPTIMISTIC.

Received 29, 5.5 p.m. London. September 28,

Mr. Bonar Law wrote that he was convinced that Ulster's self-restraint would be difficult if the position became desperate; but it was not so, as victory was certain. Ulster could reply on the Unionist Party's support. Mr. Balfour wrote: "Let me not be told that a British Government can be found sufficiently wicked, or a House of Commons sufficiently subservient, to say to Ulster: 'Leave us, or we will shoot you down.'" An overflow meeting, attended by twenty-five thousand people, was similarly enthusiastic.

Mr. Bonar Law's visit to the King at Balmoral, is vaiionslv ascribed to M. SazanolTs visit or the Ulster situation.

ULSTER DAY. THE SIGNING OF THE COVENANT. ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERINGS. THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS. Received 30, 12.35 a.m. London. September "29. Ulster Day was favored with bright sunshine. Thousands of religious services were held throughout Ireland. Belfast had a Sunday-like appearance, except that the streets were decorated with a ■wealth of Union Jacks and Orange emblems.

The greatest service was in the Ulster Hall. It was attended by Sir E. Carson, behind whom was a standard-bearer with the Boyne flag. The Lord Mayor and corporation, the Peers and Commoners, •nd Sir Charles Beresford, on entering, were cheered, whereupon the organisers, emphasising the solemnity of . the occasion, declared that all worshippers should he received in silence. Dr. William Mc-Kean, a Presbyterian Minister, preached the sermon, and Anglican, Methodist and Congregational clergymen participated in the service.

Dr. McKean remarked that Ireland wanted rest from political agitation. Ulster men would support political and social reforms, but would not have Home Rule. This was greeted with applause, which was quickly suppressed.

Sir E. Carson was escorted to the City Hall amid enthusiastic scenes, and signed the Covenant with a silver pen.

Lord Londonderry next signed it, and then the heads of the Protestant churches and other notabilities.

The corporation were present in scarlet robes.

Sir E. Carson and other prominent visitors afterwards took part in a procession through thronged and cheering streets. The Ulster Reform Club entertained them at luncheon. The Primate of Ireland sent a message to Sir E. Carson: "May God give you strength and wisdom to guide Ireland's faithful sons in trying to save their beloved land from degradation, disaster, religious strife, and civil' war. The Unionist Club and Orange lodges held a procession in the afternoon. Signing the Covenant continued until night. An exciting incident followed a football match. Several green flags were waved in Grosvenor street. This was a signal for reolver shots and free fights, but not serious. The police dispersed the mob.

The Covenant was signed in all the large cities of the United Kingdom. The Ulstermen in Edinburgh signed on a gravestone in Greyfriars Churchyard whereon the Covenant of 1638 was signed.

A SERIOUS POSITION.

London. September 28.

Sir J. Simon, speaking at Leeds, said that the Liberals must not speak slightingly of the ignorance and obstinacy which appeared to inspire the Ulster campaign. The demonstrations must be given due weight. The Government must be prepared to apply every safeguard that reason and caution could suggest, but must refuse to be blackmailed.

CIVIL AVAR RIDICULED. 1 Received 29, 5.5 p.m. New York, September 28. Mr. William Redmond, interviewed, ■aid that it was absurd to think that the Ulster trouble would affect the passage of the Home Rule Bill. The talk of civil war was the merest bosh. OPPOSITION l-ROM THE PEERAGE. London. September 27. Lords Roberts. DulTerin and Ranfurly are among the Trish peers who have signed a statement that they will not become members of either House of the Irish Legislature in the event of Ilume Rule being passed without a reference to the country. STATEMENT BY MR. ASQUITII. London. September 27. Mr. Asquith, in a preface to a reprint of the Cabinet Ministers' Home Rule speeches, says that the demand for Home Rule comes with unabated force from four-fifths of the Irish representatives, while the p"ople of England; Scotland and Wales are prepared to give unprejudiced rim-iteration to effect a settlement based on justice, common-sense and Imperial convenience. LORD CHAIILFS HEREFORD'S l'T',l )Tl>-T. London, September 27. Addressing fifteen thousand persons at TiallyH'onev. Countv Down. Lord Charles lieresfonl coiir.-eiled Ulstermen without words to prepare for eventualities and to be r> for deeds.