THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1912. HOME RULE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10608, 15 April 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1912. HOME RULE.

The report of the speech made by Mr Asquith on .tho introduction, of the OHbme Rule Bill has been cabled so fully that people, even at this remote diet&nce, are enabled to arrive at a fairly accurate opinion concerning the isoope and designs of this important rnieofsiure. The Prime Minister hasbeen careful to emphasise the fact that Home ißule for Ireland is only part Of a; general tsdieme of deA'plution which has been forced upon the country by the groAvth and development of (tlhe E.npire. It Avas necessary that this assurance should ibe given in or-' der to placate tlie representatives of Scotland and Wales; but it is extremely doubtful whether the principle will be extended if ' once Home Rule for Ireland is conceded. Prom tlie explanation of the provisions of the Bill which was .made by Mr Asquith, it would appear that- temporary safeguards have been imposed against religious intolerance and financial disorganisation : but the temporary nature of these safeguards will in itself furnish good grounds for hostility to the (measure. A remarkable feature Of the Bill is that Avhile it provides (almost complete autonomy to Ireland,

it assures a- strong representation of the Emerald Isle in the Imperial Parliament. The obvious intention is to secure a .sufficient Nationalist veto to enable, the Asquith Government to continue in office. 7 here- aro -these who suspect that the bending of the Ministry to the demands of the Nationalists has been the result of a desire to retain power, and this suspicion, will be strengthened by the provision for the 'continued strong representation of Ireland in the Imperial Parliament. Although the measure Bias been favourably received by a .section of the. Press, it flias a Jong way yet to ,go before it reaches the Statute Book. The protests-from Ulster may not be so vigorous now that the northern territory lias 'been given adequate representation in .the Irish Parliament, but the undemocratic nature 'of this representation, and tbe fact that tbe Senate is to be nominated, I will be potent factors m the opposition to the measure. It comes almost as I a shock to find a Clovernmiewt. which Ihas 'been vehemently declaiming against the House of Lords' setting up ;a. Senate possessing, all the worst elements of the imperial second chamber. This aspect of the measure is likely to provoke intense hostility from the democratic side of the House of Commons. There is every indication that the Bill will have a stormy passage .through the House, and the public may be prepared for news of the moat violent scenes- that have been enacted in the history of the British Parliament. The fate of the Bill will depend largely upon the- attitude of Labour, and the assurances that are given in respect to Scotland a.nd Wlales. The issue is a- very serious one for the Empire, involving as it does an entire change in the Constitution. In so far as. it is .the beginning of a general scheme of devolution, it is of immense importance to the overseas Dominions. If the granting of autonomy to Ireland, with a continuance of representation in the Imperial Parliament, is to ultimately result in the creation of a supreme Parliament, reprceentative cf all parts of the Empire, the overseas possessions may not have cause to regret tho passing cf the Home Rule Bill.