CONCESSIONS TO ULSTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15549, 5 March 1914, Page 7

CONCESSIONS TO ULSTER.

MR. ASQTUTH'S PROPOSALS.

AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT.

THE RIGHT OF VETO.

OPTION OF WITHDRAWAL.

ELECTION PROSPECTS

COMMENT BY PRESS

By Telegraph --Tress Association.— Copyright

[Received March i, 5.5 p.m.)

London, March 4. The Prime Minister (Mr. Asquith) has promised to make a statement on Monday, in moving the second reading of the Home Rule Bill, of the concessions which the Government intends to make to Ulster. It. is authoritatively stated in the lobby that Mr. Asquith's proposals include a sweeping veto to Ulster, and extensive control of local affairs, with the option of withdrawal from the rest of Ireland at the. end of a certain period.

Members of all parties express the opinion that it will be June before Mr. Birrell (Irish Secretary) can reintroduce the Home Rule Bill. There was no discussion to-day. It is expected that some weeks must elapse after Mr. Asquith's statement to permit of the proposal being digested. The Unionist motion of censure on the Government has nowbeen dropped.

The Union Defence League has taken up the appeal against Home Rule, and is distributing a memorial throughout the United Kingdom for signature.

The changed tone of the Radical press indicates the possibility of a general election in the autumn, after pushing the Home Rule Bill as far as possible in the event of no settlement being reached.

The Daily News admits that a section of the Radical and Labour parties favours an election in the autumn.

Reynold's Newspaper and the. Daily Chronicle make similar statements.

The Morning Post' forecasts an election soon after June. The Pall Mall Gazette declares that an election is in sight.

APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE. THE USE OF THE TROOPS. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, March 3. A letter signed by the Duke of Portland, Lord Roberts, Lord Aldenham, Mr. Rudyard Kipling, Lord Milner, Lord Lovat, Lord Dcsborough, Professor A. V. Dicey, Sir George Chubb, Sir William Ramsay, a.nd others, appeals to their fellowcountrymen to join in a solemn declaration that if Home Rule be passed without being submitted to an election, they will feel justified in trying to prevent it being put into operation, and particularly in endeavouring to prevent the use of troops against Ulster.