THE KING INTERVENES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3584, 9 March 1914, Page 5

THE KING INTERVENES.

INSISTS ON GENERAL ELECTION

STARTLING RUMOR CU RRENT. '*

NEW ASPECT IN HOME RULE PROBLEM. 1 ■

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—CODVRIGHTJ LONDON,, March 6. It is rumored that the King intervened in regard to the Home Rule Bill. The report was first dismissed, as incredible, but is now universally current among politicians and is generally accepted as true. His Majesty insisted on a general election immediately following the passing of the measure. It is said that the King informed Mr Asquith that if this course was not voluntarily pursued His Majesty would exercise his prerogative in dissolving Parliament. The report has caused bitter and unconcealed resentment in Liberal circles. Such a step will bring the Crown for the first time in modern history in direct conflict with the dominant political party. The “Times” declares that it cannot be emphasised too strongly that the predominant feeling of both sides of the House is strongly adverse to any association of the Royal name with the critical stage through which national politics are now passing. The public refuses to take seriously the appeal by Lord Roberts and other prominent men, issued on behalf of Ulster. It is pointed out that the signatories have wholly destroyed the force of the declaration by the insertion of a clause that in signing the document no man has pledged himself to take any particular action which his conscience and judgment do not approve. Referring to the signatories the “Daily Chronicle” remarks that most of the men are very eminent in their different non-political spheres, but show, not for the first time, that singular puerility of political vision and intolerate political partisanship to which, eminent non-political men are greatly prone. Such men—indeed many of the same men —made precisely similar exhibitions four years ago over Mr Lloyd George’s Budget, which was denounced as the end of all things, yet most of them have contrived to live tolerably well ever since.

The Radical press accepts as authoritative a statement that on Wednesday the Cabinet decided to offer to allow any Irish county wishing-to exclude itself from Home Rule for a three years’ plebiscite. (Received March 8, 5.5 p.m.) Air Asquith is expected to offer' a ulebiscite to all the counties in Ireland. This is attributed to a desire to satisfy the Nationalists, give an appearance of uniformity, and, nominally, so that no special treatment- will be accorded to Ulster. The Union Defence League has received application forms for a million signatures to the British declaration. The newspapers continue to affirm that Air Asquith is determined that every Irish County shall decide by referendum whether to remain outside the jurisdiction of the,, Irish Parliament for five years.

It is expected that Air Bonar Law and Air Redmond will follow Air Asquith to-morrow in the debate which will then be adjourned for a fortnight. It is understood that Air LloydGeorge conducted the negotiations with the Irish party and Alessrs Redmond. Devlin, and O’Connor reluctantly agreed. Antrim, Down, Londonderry and Armagh are certain to contract out of the Bill and the Nationalist majorities in Tyrone and Fermenagh will be small but sure.