MR LONG’S SPEECH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8654, 12 February 1914, Page 5

MR LONG’S SPEECH

SINCERE AND EARNEST. PRIME MINISTER’S RESPONSE. (Received February 11, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 11. Mr Long’s speech was marked by sincerity and earnestness. He denied that the Unionists were sowing disloyalty in the army, though it was true that there was a great anxiety that many soldiers would send in their commissionsl rather than fight against Ulster. He asked, if the defensive forces were strong, why was the Government prepared to run this great risk? The Government should produce proposals without delay. There was no justification for prolonging the terrible agony of the Irish people. DISSOLUTION USELESS.

Mr Asquith (who had a great reception) declared that the recent by-elec-tion indicated no change in regard to Home Rule. A dissolution would bo useless. It would reduce the Parliament Act to a nullity, and might result in a condition of stalemate. If the Opposition were victorious they would be faced with the problem of governing Ireland, of which three-fourths of the population would bo bitterly disappointed. He asked if the Liberals gained the majority would Ulster lay down her arms. There was no reason why Ulster should change her opinions because a' number of British electors wore imperfectly informed on Irish affairs and more interested in land tariff reform or the Insurance Bill, and choso to say so. H© asked the Opposition it they could give a guarantee that a measure, approved by the electorate, should pass into Law. Sir Edward Carson interjected: “ Will you drop Homo Rule?” Mr Asquith replied: “There is no parity in the two positions. You control the Lords. If the matter can be settled by something in the nature of a general agreement, it is better much that it be settled here and now.” He regretted that his conversations with Mr Bonar Law had failed to attain an agreement, but he did not despair of the possibility of a settlement' though the passage in the King’s speech teas echoed in every corner of the House.