IRISH UNREST.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16206, 8 May 1918, Page 7

IRISH UNREST.

THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Renter's Telegrams.) (Received Mav 7th, 7.45 p.m.) " LONDON, May 6. Mr John Dillon and Mr De Valera addressed an axiti-conscription demonstration, at which 15,000 people wore present. Mr Dillon urged that if tho Irish kept united for another two months they would- defeat conscription. He was convinced that this question would destroy the Government. Thero was an impression that the danger had passed, but that was totally false. The Government was undoubtedly staggered, but it would be a disastrous mistake to allow the determination of tho people to slacken. Ho suggested tho formation of parish committees, attached to every church or chapel. If the strugglo were forced upon them the Church would bo the rallying point. If the central organisation were destroyed instructions would reach the people through national organisations, especially priests, for the Church in tho supreme hour- of national danger to come to tho rescuo of tho people. He was convinced that it would take an army which England was ill able to spare to enforce conscription. Mr Do Valera said that his followers would unite with the Nationalists to defeat conscription. Sir Horace Plunkett, in a letter to the Press, says:—"There is only one alternative to the Cabinet's disastrous policy of conscription and Home Rule, namely: tho immediate establishment of responsible government in Ireland. Tho necessary legislation should be passed ab a war measure, and immediately afterwards an Irish Executive, broadly representative, should bo appointed with the task of establishing a Parliament and promoting voluntary recruiting. The Irish people would then quickly show the world its real attitudo to tho war, and it would dawn on Englishmen that pro-Germans were non-existent in Ireland." v

Thero are many newspaper comments 011 the appointment of Lord French as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Tho "Daily Telegraph" considers that it indicates that the Government is determined to pursue a strong, firm, Irish policy. The "Morning Post" says:-—"Lord French as a moderate Home Ruler probably stipulated for a definite effort on the part of the Government to pass Home Rule boforo conscription." The "Daily News" 6ays that tho appointment is meant to assure the Conservatives that the Government will enforce conscription. Meantime the drafting of the Home Rule Bill proceeds. "The Times" considers that tho appointment is wholly non-political. Lord French is entitled to credit for undertaking this peculiarly difficult task from a sense of duty. Sir Horace Plunkett was chairman of the Irish Convention. Ho has been especially prominent for his work on behalf of agricultural co-operation, a movement whiqh was fostered by his enthusiasm and organised by hi.t directing ability, and to-day The 900 societies, with a turnover of over two millions a year, are the vindication of his ideas. He was M.P. for Dublin County, South, for oight years.