Imperial Politics

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 204, 26 February 1914, Page 5

Imperial Politics

HOME RULE. STATEMEXT BY MR. ASQUITiI. WILL NOT ABAXDOX THE BILL. THE OPPOSITION' STANDPOINT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 23, 10.55 p.m. London, February 25. Mr. Falle urged that it was imperative that the Premier submit to an alteration of the Home Rule Bill without delay. Mr. Asqnith said there was no indication tthat the electorates were adverse to the Bill, and there was no reason for the Government to hoist the white Hag. He did not intend to abandon the Bill or yield to the menace of physical force. The Home Rule Bill would be read a second time after the end of the financial year and before Baster. The Government would then explain the proposals. It was not going to be browbeaten into a course which would embarass the prospects of basing Irish self-government on a foundation of consent and goodwill.

Mr. Bonar Law said the Premier was still drifting. The Government could go, to the'country or exclude Ulster. He would regard any other proposal as a declaration of war. •' The sooner the Government's decision was known the better. For the first time in 2jo years one of the great political parties ' had solemnly declared it will assist Ulster in resisting the Government. (Cheers, and cries of "Shame!") Mr. Bonar Law retorted that lie was going to speak frankly. It was tlie duty of Unionists inside and outside of Parliament to make it impossible for the Government to commit so great a crime.

Mr. O'Brien said the exclusion of Ulster was the one amendment which «onld not be made. The motion approving of the Premier's statement was passed bv 311 voles to 238. I ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.. THE MARCONI COMMITTEE. London, February 24. Sir Edward Grey, in reply 'to Dr. Chappie, said tfiVe was no question of the cession of the New Hebrides, and therefore no foundation for the disquiet stated to exist in Australia. Sir E. Grey, in reply to Mr. Bonar Law, said the Government had asked the United States to inform General Villa of the feelinp-,created in Britain. He also considers it indispensable, that the British Consul .should visit Jaurcz and supply a more adequate report. Mr Churchill, replying to Lord Tullibardine, stated that it had been decided to test the mobilisation of the third fleet this year, instead of manoeuvres, thus saving expense. Mr Falle's motion was negatived by 311 to 238. y Mr Asquith refused to anticipate the Ulster proposals. It is stated that the law Lords, ineluding the. Lords of Apical also Lords Mersey and Parmour have declined to serve on Lord Lamlsdowne's Marconi Committee. Lord Milncr also refused. Some newspapers urire that Lord Murray inform the committee that Lord Lansdowne's allusions to f <> charges are meaningless unless they imply an allegation of corruption, i„ which ease he will take other meant of dealing with them. i