VICEROY AND HOME RULE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9210, 22 January 1920, Page 5

VICEROY AND HOME RULE.

JPerPj^ess Association, Copyright.) LONDON, January 'JO.

•The 'Tall -vlall Gazette's" Dublin correspondent annuonees that Viscount French has been converted to Home Rule. He- has become convinced that the only method of dealing with Ireland is conceding her the fullest measure of autonomy consistent with Imperial supremacy. Viscount French recognises that there are only two courses possible, either military rule or self-government. He has become convinced of the futility of the former.

The correspondent adds that these statements were made by a high authority associated with the Irish Administration. He asserted that Viscount French favours a more comprehensive measure than Mr Lloyd George's, and that the hitter's proposals when embodied in the Bill will be .found more comprehensive than already indicated.

The correspondent proceeds to deal with £he Irish municipal elections, emphasising the supremacy gained by the Sinn Fein, which is now the party in power, adding that any Irish settlement must be arranged with the Sinn Fein. The correspondent understands that one of the first actions of the Sinn Fein majority on the Dublin Corporation will be to repudiate the authority of the Local Government Board in connection with municipal administration.