BRITISH POLITICS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXI, Issue 2724, 28 November 1910, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

SPEECH BY MR ASQUITH.

THE HOUSE OF LORDS

HOME RULE FOR IRELAND

[By Electric Telegraph.]

LONDON, November 26.

MrAsquith, speaking at Hull, was frequently interrupted by Suffragettes. He declared that the election the most momentous in British history. The Veto Conference having failed

ought they to waste another twelve months over a futile enterprise. Liberal legislation under existing conditions was a hopeless task. The electors at any rate were not under the domination of Mr Redmond or compelled to any particular line. The conversion of the House of Lords to a referendum was the most remarkable in their political history. The Lords resolutions would

destroy the basis ot Government by representation, adding that a democracy without representation would soon degenerate into anarchy or Caesarism. He denied that the Liberals had planned and schemed for a single chamber. Their plan was not put forward as the final solution, but the least that was necessary for real progress. He repeated the Albert Hall statement in favour of self-government for Ireland ireeing the Imperial Parliament ol much loyal work. He believed the Government's eftorts would have the sympathy of the

overwhelming majority of the oversea dominions, who had learned how easy it was to combine local autonomy wtth Imperial loyalty. He urged the electorates to concentrate in the more immediate task of winning fair play for the Liberal legislation. They must make the people through their representatives really and effectually supreme in legislation and all other issues. He condemned the referendum. It

would impair, if not destroy, the sense of Parliament responsibility. He demanded the key for unlocking the gate of people's rights.