ULSTER VOLUNTEERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13373, 6 May 1914, Page 3

ULSTER VOLUNTEERS.

URGED NOT TO RELAX THEIR

EFFORTS.

(Press Assn.— By Telegraph— Copyright.)

LONDON, May 5:

General Sir George Richardson, m pi'esenting colors to the West Belfast Regiment of Ulster Volunteers, said : rf Do not think your work is done and relax your efforts'. It is always the unexpected that happens. Exercise the greatest discretion m dealing with your fellow-countrymen and avoid aggressive action. !" (Received May 6, 8.30 a.m.) Mr Asquith, m reply to Lord Robert Cecil, said lie was taking steps which. i seemed most likely to conduce • to » possible settlement of the Home Rule question. Mr Asquith's resolution to prevent the blocking of business was unanimously agreed to. (Sydney Sun Special Service.) LONDON, April 29. Lord Roberts paid a visit to Sir Edward Carson. The regular troops at present located m Ireland are momentarily expecting marching orders. King George, m view of the Home Rule crisis,, is undecided about going to the Newmarket races. [He subsequently attended.] According to legal opinion obtained, the Ulstermen are not convictable of treason. They were merely preparing for a contingency. In the House of Lords, the Marquis of Crewe, Secretary of State for India, replying to a question asked by the Marquis of Lansdowne, said that no instructions had been issued for further movements of troops m Ireland, nor were further movements contemplated ; but this was within the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief of Ireland. The gun-running proceedings involved a direct interference with his Majesty's officers m the execution of his duty. Fortunately, no violence 'had occurred, but the most deplorable disorder might have ensued. The Marquis of Lansdowne said that Ulster would be Ulster to the last. For two years it had been the most peaceable province. Because the ' volunteers were disciplined and had resisted' the most violent provocation, the Government was now suffering a rude awakening. He dreaded collision between the Ulster volunteers' and the army. It was difficult to ■ say which were the more loyal subjects. The scene m the lobbies of the Commons and m the House itself on Monday was one of the greatest animation.- All sorts of alarmist rumors were abroad as to the prompt action the Government intended to take m Ulster, and these reports were being eagerly discussed before the House sat. Outside the House the public fairly clamored for admission, and so great was the crowd that" the police were compelled to regulate it by forming a queue. The galleries were occupied by a number of distinguished peers, among whom was noticed Lord Stamfordham, Private Secretary to the King. Mr Asquith was loudly cheered as he entered the Chamber, while Mr Churchill, who followed his chief, was greeted by the Opposition with ironical cheers. The Prime Minister, who carried a sheaf of papers, proceeded to answer a hundred, questions, of which notice had peviously been given.. Replying to Lieut. -General Sir Reginald Pole-Carew, the Prime Minister said that General Sir Arthur Paget, commanding the forces m Ireland, had not resigned. ' Sir Reginald Pole-Carew : Is the House to understand that Sir Arthur Paget is quite happy m his present position? Tho Speaker : It is impossible to- say whether any man is happy m his position. (Laughter and cheers.) . .. Mk- Asquith explained that Sir Cecil Macready had been appointed Military Governor of Belfast because of his previous experience of civil disturbances m Lough. A member inquired whether the gunrunning reports were true, and what the Government proposed to do. Mr Asquith : I believe that the facts j are accurate. In view of this unprecedented outrage— — x Here the Premier was interrupted by cheers and counter-cheers, and by Opposition cries of "Traitors! Yours is the outrage !" ■ Mr Asquith': The House may be assured that . the Government will take, withoivt delay, appropriate steps to vindicate the authority of the law and protect the King's officers and servants m. the exercise of their duties and m the enjoyment of their lega} rights. Cheers..) '____