THE IRISH QUESTION

Press, Volume L, Issue 14899, 12 February 1914, Page 7

THE IRISH QUESTION

-tMOXISTS ATTACK THE GOVERNMENT. -Mr Walter H. Long, in moving an amendmpnt to the Ad-dre6s-in-R«ply, declared that the United Kingdom was, for the first time for centuries, threatened *jth ciril war. A hundred thousand Ulstermen were determined, at the cost of their lives, to resist tho Bill. Bloodshed had been avoided only by Sir Edward Carson's resolute and brave leadership. He asked whether the Government was sure that the etrtifrftJe Would be confined to Ireland. Tho Government, bj not daring to interfere in South Africa at the present moment, showed how idle was the Imperial Parliament's boasted eupremacy. He urged tnfprremier to pause and consult the electorate. It would ne a crime of the first magnitude to shoot down the people of Ulster.

Mr Asquith replied that it was known prior to tho 1910 election that the Pirbanient Act was to be used to carry tie Bill. The qneetion could be settled better by agreement than by a dissolution. Referring to his conversations with Mr Bonar Law, Mr Asquith Said h6 did not despair of the possibility of settlement, and would uSe no l&st word regarding tho matter.

After remarking that there -was nothing the Government would not do consistent With the fundamental principles of tho Bill to avoid civil war, tho Premify 1 concluded by announcing that thd Government, without delay, would snbfiu't to the House suggestions which would be hdnestly put forwafd.