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Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1916, Page 4

SOLVING THE IRISH PROBLEMS. The intense interest exhibited by members of the House of Commons on Thursday, when Mr. Asquith- made his promised statement concerning Ireland, clearly showed that the recent trouble in that unhappy portion of the United Kingdom has demonstrated the need for putting an end to what the Prme Minister designated as the most tragic and debasing of all combats—an internecine domestic struggle. The history of Ireland is a record of almost continuous upheavals, and there can be no divergence of opinion that the present is an opportune time for probing the cancer to its roots in order to bring about a healthy and rational settlement of the distempers that 'have for so long made the country a seething mass of strife and disaffection. As the result of his recent visit there, Mr. Asquith acquired two dominant impressions— the breakdown of existing machinery, and the strength, depth and universality of the feeling that Ireland is now afforded a unique opportunity for the settlement of outstanding problems, and joint combined efforts with the view of obtaining an agreement respecting its future government. The most important statement by Mr. Asquith was, however, that Mr. Lloyd George had undertaken to devote himself to the task of. bringing aibout, if possible, an agreement between the representatives of the different interests and purposes in Ireland. No better choice of a mediator could havo been made. Mr. Lloyd George has on many occasions proved his ability to achieve what appeared to be almost impossible. In approaching the difficult problem? that surround his latest mission, the Munitions Minister will bring to hear on his efforts a sympathy of the widest and most practical nature, a tact that has stood the test of the most trying ordeals, and a masterly will that while it U unassertive, has, nevertheless, an almost 'hypnotic effect on those who come under his magnetic personality. It is not too much to claim that if success is within the bounds of possibility he can attain it. It is stated that optimism prevails in political circles at the good prospects for a settlement. This is a good augury, hut does not possess any real value. Mr. Lloyd George will certainly carry with him in his delicate task the ardent hopes of the Empire for his success, and we may be sure that he will leave no stono unturned in his efforts to solve the problems that have hitherto perplexed generations of statesmen and politicians. Should ho succeed, as it is to be v hoped he will, he .will prove himself one of the greatest benefactors of the United Kingdom.