HOME RULE FOR SCOTLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5537, 20 July 1920, Page 6

HOME RULE FOR SCOTLAND.

DEMAND GROWING

I English politicians have been apt to give far too little attention to the strength of the demand in Scotland for . Scottish Home Rule, which for some years past has been steadily growing (says the Daily Chronicle). They would do well to attend to the warning solemnly uttered, at a representative meeting of the Scottish Home Rule Association at Glasgow. As everyone knows, there, is not the least disloyalty in Scotland, hut there is very serious discontent, which, as the chairman hinted, might grow into something much worse if a generous measure of devolution is not soon given. And indeed it will he impossible, to le^ the present state of affairs continue nmch longer, not only from the point of view of the. Scots, but that also of the English and the Welsh. Tlie Imperial Parliament cannot nt one and the same time give full attention to exacting problems of the Empire, of defence, and of taxation, and do justice to the innumerable domestic problems of the different parts of the United Kingdom. However fully the committee system may be developed, the Imperial Parliament' simply lias not the time to deal properly with all the work that confronts it. That is the real reason why the Government is sometimes accused of rushing measures through the House. , Under tlie present system they must he rushed through, without adequate discussion. The time is ripe for a system of devolution by which not only Southern Ireland and Ulster, but also Scotland. Wales and the several parts of England should he given Parliaments subordinate to and in relief of the Imperial Parliament.