FORESIGHT AND JUDGMENT NEEDED HOPES AND FEARS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 35, 11 February 1914, Page 7

FORESIGHT AND JUDGMENT NEEDED HOPES AND FEARS.

LEGISLATION FORESHADOWED. (Received February 11, 9 a.m.) LONDON, 10th February. The Speech from the Throne regretted that the efforts to solve the Home Bule question by agreement- had not been successful, and expressed a hope that in dealing with a matter in which the hopes and feiirs of so many were keenly concerned, and which, unless handled now with foresight and judgment, and in a spirit of mutual concession, threatened grave future difficulties, that the co-operation of all parties and creeds would secure a lasting settlement. Proposals would be submitted to reconstitute the Second Chamber, and measures introduced to deal with industrial, agricultural, and housing questions, Imperial naturalisation, development of national education, and to give effect to the Safety at Sea Conference's recommendations. The Speech referred to friendly foreign relations, and the approaching visit of the King and Queen to M. iroincare, the President of France. Satisfactory negotiations were proceeding with Gcrmauy and Turkey regarding industrial and commercial interests in Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf. AMENDMENT TO ADDRESS.' Mr. Long, in moving the amendment to the Address-in-Reply, declared that the United Kingdom was for the first time for centuries threatened by civilians. One hundred thousand Ulstermen were determined at the cost of their lives to resist the Home Rule Bill. Bloodshed had been avoided only by Sir Edward Carson's resolute and brave leadership. He asked whether the Government was sure that the struggle would be confined to Ireland. The fact of the Government not daring to interfere in South Africa at the present moment showed how idle was the Imperial Parliament's boasted supremacy. Mr. Long urged the Premier to pause and consult the' electorate. Ifc would be a crime of the first magnitude if the soldiers shot down people in Ulster. PREMIER REPLIES. Mr. Asquith (Prime Minister) replied that it was known prior to the 1910 election that the Parliament Act was to bo used to carry the Home Rule Bill. The question could be settled better by agreement than by a dissolution. Referring to conversations with Mr> Bonar Law (Leader of the Opposition), he said he did not despair of the possibility of a settlement, and would use no last word regarding the matter. After remarking that there was nothing the Government would not do. consistent with the fundamental principles of the Bill, to avoid civil war, the P#jmier concluded by announcing that the Government would without delay submit to the House suggestions * which would be honestly put forward. UNIONIST PLANS. With a view to emphasising the gravity of the Ulster crisis, the Opposition intend to abandon the customary general discussion. Mr. Long's amendment challenges the Government's refusal' to submit grave constitutional changes to a General Election. Mr. Bonar Law (Leader of the Opposition) will close the debate. ARMY BILL. Tory circles are discussing the question of the House of Lords amending the Army Annual Bill, and thus preventing the use of the Army for Ulster's coercion.