“THE DIRTY GAME”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8481, 16 July 1913, Page 7

“THE DIRTY GAME”

PLAYED AT WESTMINSTER "1,500,000 PROTESTANTS SOLD FOR 80 VOTES.” “HE THAT HATH NOT A SWORD” By Telegraph—Trees Association—Oooyrisat •Sydney 'Sun” Special Cable.} (Received July 15, 6.55 p.m.> LONDON, July 15 Sir Edward Carson. speaking in Belfast, said he was sick of the dirty game that was being played at Westminster. He declared that 1,500,000 Pretest* ants were being sold by the Government for eighty votes.

He said that the Government was also trying to make Ulster a pawn in the game. The Bishop of Derry (Right Rev. George Chadwick, D.D.), preaching in Belfast Cathedral from the text “Ho that hath not a sword, _ let him soil his cloak and buy one.” said that the question was how England, in casting the Protestants off, acquired the right of imposing on them the yoke of an alien race and the tyranny of a Church which had persecuted them in the past. BILL IN HOUSE OF LORDS. (Received July 15, 11.30 pjn.) LONDON, July 15. In the House of Lords, Earl Crewe, in moving the second reading of the Home Rule Bill, dwelt oh tne pleas for a conference, to which there was no response from the Opposition leader. He added that the Government never pretended that the present Bill was the only kind of Home Rule Bill that the House ought to bo asked to consider, but there could be no basis for a conference as long as the Irish minority, supported by the Unionists, decided to do everything to prevent the establishment of any Irish legislature whatever. The only alternative was to pass the Bill under the Parliament Act. Lord Lansdowne moved an amendment, “That this House declines to consider the Bill until it has been submitted to the judgment of the country." He said that nothing had happened to alter their lordships’ views of the Bill. The by-elections did not augur favourably for the Bill, and he urged its reference to the country. If the Government won, the Bill would still remain under the Parliament Act, and if they lost they would he saved from a stupendous blunder. Lord Lansdowne added:—“Wo are ready to abide by the country’s decision."

Regarding Ulstg-’s grim determination, no one who knew Ulster would suggest that it was a mere myth. The Unionists of Ulster might well inscribe on their banner the words of Cleopatra, addressed to Antony at a critical moment in her fortunes, namely: “You do not know me yet.” (Opposition cheers.) The Duke of Abercom, in a maiden speech, said that be, as an Ulsterman, was proud to sign the Covenant. Ulster absolutely refused to submit to Home Rule until compelled to do so by force of arms. Other Unionists warned the Government of the gravity of the threatened crisis.

The debate was adjourned. Lord Chelmsford said thait the Bill ought not to be passed till a direct vote of the people was taken. Ho enforced Ms arguments by referring to Australia, where no constitutional change was possible without a previous referendum.

Lord Beauchamp declared that Lord Lansdowne’a reference to a general election was a notable contribution to the discussion if it meant that in the event of e-n election resulting in favour of the Bill, the Unionists would withdraw their support from the Ulster opposition.