Trouble Predicted.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 8, 30 January 1912, Page 7

Trouble Predicted.

ORANGEMEN THREATEN RIOTS. London, January 26. ,Mr Winston Churchill persists in his intention to visit Belfast on Bth February and to deliver a speech there in favour of Home Eule. Many newspapers forecast bloodshed and riot. Mr Churchill has written to Lord Londonderry, stating that while ha is determined to speak at Belfast he will forego the use of Ulster Hall rather than arouse the Orangemen’s feelings. Many Unionist Clubs in Ireland are arranging to send members to Belfast to prevent Mr Churchill speaking. The Belfast Harbour Commissioners, in replying to Mr Churchill’s suggestion that he should inspect the harbour docks, have replied that 9th February (the day after his meeting) is not a convenient day. London, January 27. Unofficial reports state that the Belfast Harbour Board desire to defer Mr Churchill’s inspection until political feeling is calmer. The “ Times ", Dublin correspondent states that it is understood that the Irish Executive is averse to the employment of troops, fearing that if the Unionists are resisted much bloodshed and disorder will ensue, while' if they yielded to a force majeure it would enable them’ to prove that Home Eule was only thrust upon Ulster at the bayonet’s point. There are still great risks if Mr Churchill speaks elsewhere than in the Ulster Hall.

Mr Churchill, in a letter to Lord Londonderry, emphasised the lattSr's responsibility if rioting occurred. “ Still,” added Mr Churchill, “it is mv duty to keep my promise to the Ulster Liberals and assert the right of free speech. If the main objection is to the use of the Ulster Hall I will ask the Liberal Association to choose whatever hall will leaist arouse the ill-feeling ot the Orangemen.” Mr John Redmond, the Nationalist leader, in an article in “ Reynolds’ Newspaper,” declares: “ There is no terror in Ulster of the Orangemen’s threats, which are only insolent bluff. They are loyal only in their own bigoted interests. England would be a nation of fools and poltroons if she allowed herself to be diverted by unpatriotic bellowings from the great policy of binding Ireland to the Empire.”

TROOPS IN READINESS. London, Jan. 29. The “Daily Chronicle ” states that three regiments of infantry and two of cavalry have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to Belfast. Lord Londonderry, replying to Mr Winston Churchill's letter,- says tbe main objection of the Ulster Unionists had been removed, and therefore he deprecated any , interference with the holding of Mr Churchill’s meeting e'sewhere, but he would not accept responsibility for his visit, owing to tbe intense feeding that had been aroused. Sir Corntbwaite Eason, formerly Agent-General for Western Australia, speaking at York, referring to the comparison between Home Rule in Ireland and the overseas Dominions, declared that if Australia was where Ireland was Australia would never have asked and never have had selfgovernment.