IRISH NATIONAL CONVENTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8448, 24 May 1907, Page 5

IRISH NATIONAL CONVENTION.

PRESS OPINIONS. I "THE END OF DEVOLUTION." Received May 23, 7.47 a.m. LONDON, May 22. The Times' Dublin correspondent, dealing with the convention, says:— "The general impression is that Mr ] Redmond recently made a gross political miscalculation, and has now tried to cover up his tracks. Many Unionists fear that the Nationalists I will seek to return to popularity on a J wave of agrarian agitation."' "WANING AUTHORITY." , The Times, emphasising the J seriousness of the blow to the Go- " "vernment and to Mr Birrell, Secretary for Ireland, declares that the fate of the Bill must further damage the already waning authority of the • Government. Present feelings towards the Irish party will hardly dispose the Government to defer to the audacious demand to proceed with a series of highly contentious measures. LIBERAL PRESS! • The Daily Chronicle declares that Mr Birrell's Bill is killed. The Daily News writes:—"This is the end of devolution." The News adds that the shadow of failure has fallen on the hopes ofLiberalism. The limits of any possible achievement are painfully narrowed by Mr Redmond's action. "The Tribune says:—"The verdict is decisive and final." Speaking at the Irish National, ' Convention, the Hon. Frank Connor, a member of the West Australian Legislative Council, declared that the enthusiasm for the Home Rule cause shown jn America was rivalled, if not exceeded, by the people of the Federal States of Australia. NO ENCOURAGEMENT TO PROCEED. The Westminster Gazette &ays Mr ; Tim Healy killed the Bill. The rejection of a half measure will hardly encourage the Liberal, party to proceed with a whole measure. The Liberals are able to c"o nolhing more until the Nationalists develop a practicable frame of mind.

The Morning Post remarks that the Liberals will gain little by Mr Redmond's giving them the choice between accepting Irish support on terms closely approximating intimidation, and sacrificing the Irish vote.