THE HOME RULE PROBLEM.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13350, 7 April 1914, Page 3

THE HOME RULE PROBLEM.

THREE-CORNERED CONTESTS

(Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 6. It is' understood that Unionists in East Fife regard Mr Asquith'e speech as peaceful, and they will not oppose him. The Liberals have tabled eight Federal amendments, and the Unionists four, including Mr J. C. Lyttelton's which favors the exelusdon of Ulster and the establishment of a Liberal Commission. There are indications that before the third reading the Government will provide a suggestion stage for the formulation of plans for settlement. Lord Dunraven, in a letter to the newspapers, suggests that the present Bill should be passed, but that the operative clause should be altered, enabling a suspension pending the passing of a Federal Bill, which would preserve Ireland's integrity. Captain Piri6 (Liberal) proposes a Statutory Commission to draw up a Federal' constitution which could certainly be enacted before two years. ■ Mr G. N. Barnes (LaFor M.P.) speaking at Wolverhampton, said the objects of Liberalism and Labor were distinct, although for the present they must work in common. Yet, while Liberalism was concerned in political reform, extension of the franchise and religious freedom, Labor sought a fundamental alteration in the economic structure of society. .He added: "It is absurd to think ;the Liberals -could do /the wbrk of Labor,) controlled, bossed, and financed as they are by the wealthy. If Mt Asquith wishes to avoid three-cornered contests, the remedy is in his own hands. It means the second- ballot or alternative vote. Otherwise there will be more three-cornered contests in the future than in the past." Alluding to the Army, he concluded: "The Army has emerged from the first round of the battle second best. The Army and Navy must be democratised." (Received April 7, 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 6. Mr McKenna, in reply to Lord Hugh Cecil's suggestion on Thursday, said that the Government did not think a select committee \ the best method of dealing with the Home Rule Bill. (Received April 7, 9.50 a.m.) Mr Crawford (Unionist) has been elected for Belfast unopposed, vice Mr McMordie (deceased).