HOME RULE CRISIS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 4700, 29 November 1913, Page 5

HOME RULE CRISIS.

CABINET NOT FRIGHTENED.

A PROSPECT OF CIVIL WAR

NO GROUND FOR ELECTIo.i

Electric Telegraph—Press Association Copyright

London, Last Night. Speaking at Leeds, Mr Asquith, the Prime Minister reiterated his Ladybank Home Rule proposals, and said there was no ground for a general election. ihe Government was not frightened by the menace of c.vil war. He did not see any immediate prospect of a settlement by consent. Proceeding, he said he lamented the increase in armaments. He thought the problem might be solved bv co-op-eration by the Powers under the pressure of public opinion. He lamented at the huge world-wide diversion of national wealth into unproductive channels. He protested that nothing could be effectively done to check the growth of armaments without the cooperation of the Powers, brought about by the demand of their peoples Governments, and they should seize every opportunity to create a prompt and concerted alleviation of the burden.

The most striking feature of the domestic situation was that of the op ponents to unity in pressing for ant immediate general election. Home Rule was the most urgent step. The Liberal poliev had been undeviated since 1906. It was absolutely untrue that the Cabinet was divided on the subject. His hand had not closed any door to a reasonable peace. Home Rule, as a matter of right, was due to Ireland, and was sanctioned as a policy by the highest interests of Parliament. Mr Percy Illingworth (Chief Government Whip) has announced that that there will be no general election before 1915. NOT A HAPPY FAMILY. London. Last Night. A notable feature of the National Liberal Congress in Leeds was the Radical revolt against the increase of armaments. Sir John Brunner. Liberal M P. for Cheshire, declared that this growing mad expenditure was a devilish business. Air Henry Vivian, secretary of the Co-partnership Association. hinted that the bonds of loyalty to the party might snap under the strain. The Conference adopted resolutions urging the pressing forward of friendly relations with the Powers to secure the cessation of armament competition, advocating the abrogation of the right to capturing private property in war time, and also condemning the use of floating mines. The conference approved of the Government’s land policy and the maintenance of free trade principles.

THE FX-CHIEF WHIP. London. Last Night. Lord Murray of Elibank. ex-Cliief Liberal Whip. representative of Pearson’s. Ltd., has withdrawn the petroleum contracts from tlie Ecuador Congress owing to the political feeling engendered, though the new Ministry will next year revive them. • FULL STEAM AHEAD! ’ UNIONISTS ALARMED. (Received this day at 9.15 a.m.) London, This Day. The Unionist newspapers view gravely Mr Asquith's full steam ahead speech. Mr Bonar Law. the Unionist leader, speaking at Dublin to-day, insisted that the Unionists were opposed as completely as ever to the whole idea of any separation from the United Kingdom, and demanded an election. The Manchester Guardian (Liberal) advises the Government not to let the last hours nin out before it makes up its mind as to the lines upon which it may proceed. Tlie Liberals, it adds, are not prepared to go the full length of ascertaining the nation’s authority unless they are perfectly sure that all the resources of statesmanship have been exhausted.