THE FEDERAL IDEA

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 71, 25 March 1914, Page 5

THE FEDERAL IDEA

FINDING INCREASING SUPPORT,

"THE MAN OF THE HOUR:"

LONDOST, March 24. The idea of jFedeml or devolution settlement' finds increasing support in several newspapers.. Eight Liberals, writing to the Westminster Gazette, say that the Government's Ulster offer, though statesmanlike and <tb.e. best under -the circumstances, saiffiers from Ahe admitted defect of want of finality. '.The writers warmly advocate the Westminster ' Gazette's suggestion of a Joint Commission tf»om both iparties fo recast the Bill on .a Fedei'a'libasis, as the best means of securing a definite settlement. The whole con-: stitutional question *could .-fee dealt with during Ulster" s 'six years' .period of exemption. .."■'./' ; ; Unionist papers declare ithat .Sir Arthur Pagejb is the 'scapegoat, "and hint at the p<i>ssiibility of shis resignation. They acclaim General vGough as the man of the hour. A band of officers saved the country from, disaster.

Liberal papers declare that the. Tory 'attempt tip splijt ithe airiny failed^t and declare that toe'linlit^ qi ipatiehcej has?beeri readied.' .• '■ ■■- ;•'- , \. "- ■•■:'■ Mj- W: H; Cowan askefl ihe Prime? Minister if he wouid consider ihe ex-j elusion of;, U^erVpettdiiig va^geiroral; scheme of devolution.., *■ ~"./.'••:'.- ■ : ■:

; Mr.: Asquith replied that ihe was anxious to give the fulle«it consi<deratipn to any proposal likely .to, afford ;; common grounds of agi;eement.