HOME RULE CRISIS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 11934, 23 March 1914, Page 4

HOME RULE CRISIS.

The crisis in Ireland seems to be much more grave than was generally taken to be t'ne case, in this portion of the world at all events. The cables to-day contain information that is somewhat startling. Troops are being sent to Ireland, and what is more significant, reports from various sources state that numerous army oiTicers have resigned sooner than serve in T'lster. The indications all point to probable strife, but it is possible, as one message states, that the. preparations are being made with a view to disarming the Ulster volunteers. Even if such is the case, however, it is to be feared that the Northern army will object to disarmament, and a conflict is almost sure. to be tho outcome. We sincerely trust that blood will not be shed in Ireland. If she is to have Home Rule, let her have it without civil war and its accompanying miseries. Daniel O'Connell, "the Liberator," the greatest of Irish patriots and orators, onoe said: "No political change whatsoever is worth the shedding of a single drop of human blood," and yet O'Connell was as ardent a Home Ruler as over lived. In spite of the present reports we, still hope to see peace —political social and religious —restored in Ireland, and talk of civil war a thing of the past.