IRISH HOME RULE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1917, Page 4

IRISH HOME RULE.

REDMOND'S DRAMATIC ACTION. By Cal)le.—Press Association—Copyright London, March 8. In the House of Commons Mr. Redmond said the Prime Minister's pronouncement would have a very bad effect in neutral countries, and would take the heart out of Irishmen fighting at the front. The position in Ireland was serious. There were men there with influence and money who had combined in the enterprise of smashing the constitutional movement. Mr. Lloyd George was playing into their hands. He would have to govern Ireland with the naked sword.

When the Nationalist leaders attempted to effect a settlement in July they took their political lives into their bauds. They had been betrayed. TUe Government should have brought forward proposals acceptable to the whole of Ireland.

An Ulster Unionist interjected: 'What do you mean," Mr. Redmond: "What I mean*is, put I lie Homo Rule Act into operation, with well additions and amendments as the time and altered circumstances render necessary."

Concluding, Mr. Redmond said: "This debate necessitates the reconsideration of our position. It is absolutely futile for my colleagues and myself to continue the debate, thejKfore I appeal to iny colleagues to let {Tie House do what it likes with the resolution and amendment. (Loud Nationalist cheers.) I ask them not to remain to continue a futile and humiliating debate, but withdraw and take counsel with me as to what next step we Bhall take."

This dramatic statement was delivered in passionate tones, and the Nationalists, who were greatly excited, cheered Mr. Redmond to the echo when he left his seat. Some Nationalists angrily shook their fists at the Treasury bencn, and a voice was heard above the din shouting, "Hangman Carson! He is only iit to be a hangman instead of FirstLord of the" Admiralty."

The scene was the most exciting since the war broke out and caused an immense sensation.

Mr. Wardle regretted that the Nationalists had left the House without awaiting the result of their own motion. He urged the Government to find a, way out of the present impasse.

Sir Henry Dalziell said the situation could not be left an it was, and asked whether Mr. Lloyd George supported or opposed Mr. Asquith's suggestion, and, in order to enable him to make a statement, moved the adjournment. Mr. Lloyd George said the Government could not bring in a Bill in the middle of the Avar, when there was no guarantee that it would be acceptable to any party. It was the duty of the Nationalists to say whether they really meant to oppose the measure. Until the Nationalists indicated this it would be folly for the War Cabinet to introduce such a highly controversial Bill. . Mr. Lloyd George said that Mr. Redmond had evidently misunderstood him. He had clearly stated that Home Rule would be granted to any part clearly demanding it, but the Government could not enforce it where it was repugnant. There were two ways of settling the details, either by a conference of Irishmen or a commission of practically the same character as that mentioned by M»: Asquith. It had' been .suggested that they should bring in a Bill on that basis, but they could not, in the middle of a great war, bring in a Bill which might not be acceptable to any section, until the Nationalists indicated their attitude. Mr. O'Connor said that there were only two alternatives in dealing with Ireland, a settlement or coercion. The majority of sane men in Britain believed a settlement was necessary, but the failure of last summer's negotiations was regarded in Ireland as a breach of a solemn compact such as brought TCnginnd into the war. The Government broke that compact, and the Irish drew the conclusion that Kngland was now, as ever, perfidious England.

Sir Henry Dalziell withdrew his motion, and the discussion was resumed. The Hon. Mr. Gueßt considered the Nationalists' withdrawal gravely affected their conduct of the War and their position in the eyes of the world. He hoped the Government would try to secure a settlement along the liner, of Mr. Asquith's suggestion. LEADERS' VIEWS. London, March 8. Mr. Redmond said the Government had raised in Ireland an issue that must be faced and decided. He would be glad to see it decided in every constituency 'in Ireland to-morrow. The great issue was whether Ireland should still rely on constitutional action or revert to the methods and ideas of revolution. Some men so bitterly hated Home Rule that they would hid Godspeed to a revolution. If the constitutional movement disappeared Mr. Lloyd George would be forced to govern Ireland with the naked sword.

Mr. Healy said that though he was an opponent of Mr. Redmond he considered the Empire owed him the best gratitude. If the War Office had taken his advice they would have had 200,000 troops' where the rebellious elements appeared. He taunted Mr. Redmond with arranging a play-acting coup by quitting the House. Mr. Redmond ought to have provided something better. Neither ho nor any Nationalist had offered his hand to Ulster since 1913; instead he poohpoohed any suggestion for the settlement of Home Rule. Ireland would take his excursion from the House at its proper measure. It deserved after thirty years something more than a dramatic skeedaddle from the House. Instead of bringing Churchill's Hottentots and niggers from Africa, England ought to try to win Ireland and America to her side* in the war. s The debate was adjourned. A SETTLEMENT IMPROBABLE. London, March S. Immediately following their dramatic withdrawal the Nationalists met- in a committee room. The proceedings wore brief and there was no decision, the discussion being adjourned till Thursday at noon. The result is awaited with the utmost interest. Mr. Redmond, who was obviously suffering from the effects of his illness, spoke With some difficulty. Members of all parties extended their sympathy to him.

In the lobby there was an animated discussion on the development. • It was opined in some quarters that a settlement is improbable, in view of the present tone and temper of the Nationalists. It is expected that no progress will he achieved until the whole question is brought up for impartial consideration at the Imoerial Conference. ■-'*.,.