MR BONAR LAW'S BOLD STAND.

Marlborough Express, Volume LII, Issue 83, 12 April 1918, Page 5

MR BONAR LAW'S BOLD STAND.

BITTER "ATTACK ON GENERAL

GOUGH

' (Received April 12, 10.30 a.m.) . » LONDON, April 11. The ever-increasing seriousness of the news from the tront disclosed in the communiques strongly influenced the House of Cdmmons over the second reading of the Man-Power ■Bill. It is evident that no one wants a change of Government, still less a general election:; so the firmness of Mr Bonar Law in sticking to the letter of the Bill proved a source of strength to the Government. His direct challenge to the House to throw out the Government if it disapproved of the extension of conscription to Ireland was so bold and uncompromising that it took everybody aback and touched the imagination of the.majority of Members. Sir George Cave was also loudly cheered for saying: "It is said that resistance will be offered by Ireland. If so the resistance will be overcome." -

Mr Dillon's speech included an intensely bitter, attack on General Gough, whom he accused of involving the Irish divisions on three separate occasions in disaster. He concluded: Irishmen no longer trusted the British .Government. If conscription were imposed the Government would have to hold Ireland for the remainder of the war under strict military law.

Dublin telegrams state that conscription is the only topic of discussion. It is understood that the Sinn Feiners have issued orders to all sections of Irish volunteers regarding action in the event of conscription.

Fiery speeches were made at many meetings of public bodies .against applying the Man-Power Bill to Ireland. -Home Rule was not discussed at all. The recruiting authorities are hampered by the fact that there is no register in Ireland. A big effort will be necessary to weed out many 'Englishmen, Scotsmen, and Welshmen who went to Ireland to escape military service.