HOME RULE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144197, 13 September 1913, Page 3

HOME RULE.

LORD LOREBURN’S LETTER. NOT WELCOMED BY EITHER SIDE St ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COPYRIGHT. UMES—SYDNEY SUN SPECIAL CABLES. LONDON, Sept. 12. lord Loreburn, in his letter, said that no good purpose would be served by ignoring the certainty that the passage of Homo Rule would be followed by serious rioting in the North of Ireland. It was extravagance to speak of civil war, or to fancy that the troops if called out would' ref us© to maintain order, but experience in the past showed that much disturbance may bo expected, more widespread and more violent than on any lormer occasion during our times. \ Discussing Lord Loreburn’s letter, The Times says that the importance of the letter lies in tho fact that for the first time a political crisis of the first magnitude may be a national disaster, A distinguished Liberal statesman makes a public confession of. his belief that a permanent solution of the Government’s Irish policy is indefensible, Tho consensus of opinion of Hie Liberal morning newspapers is that Lord Loreburn’s proposal is. impracticable and unwelcome. Liberal speakers in various towns emphasised tho fact that the time to talk was past and the time for firm action had arrived. Selfgovernment was the only possible basis of settlement with the Unionists. The only other solution was consulting tho electorates.

The Nationalists are disconcerted, And interpret Lord Lore-burn's appeal as a sign of weakness on the part of tile Government.

The Daily News’ Parliamentary correspondent says that the really serious passage in Lord Loreburn’s letter is that relating to a general election on Home Rule. This is tantamount to a repeal of the Parliament Act. The letter means that Mr. Asquith should ’ dissolve, leaving the plural voper undisturbed, and also give a pledge against the re-introduction of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, and return the Tories should exact from Ulster a promise of submission to Homo Rule if it is again approved at the polls. It also means ; indefinitely postponing the creation of a second Chamber. The draft articles for the Ulster Provisional Government include the franchise of women on the basis of the register for local government purposes. THE PARTY STANDPOINT. TIMES—SYDNEY SDN SPECIAL CABLES.' (Received September 13, 8 a.m.) LONDON, September 12. Lord Lorebum’e appeal made a profound impression. There ps a disposition to. regard the proposals from tho party standpoint.