IRISH PROBLEM.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 44, Issue 13604, 31 July 1918, Page 6

IRISH PROBLEM.

DILLON'S MOTION DEFEATED.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, Tuesday. An Irish debate arose in the House of Commons on Mx John Dillon's motion, drawing attention to the state of hcland, and condemning the- Government's policy. . Mr Dillon said he felt justified in raising tho question as a war issue, which, if it remained uusettled, would be a sourco of weakness and embarrassment to the Empire at the Peace Conference. Britain had accepted the principle of a League of Nations, which could not bo created unless Britain was prepared to submit to the judgment of .-ivi.isrd mankind in this, the Irish question involved. The Nationalists had struggled to save the constitutional movement to bring Ireland into the war, but tho Government had done everything in its power to drive her out. The°Government had instituted a system of universal coercion in its decision to apply conscription, which was illadvised! The net result was the tyingup of many troops iv Ireland. Justice and honour demanded that tho Government should attempt conciliation. If the Government had not betrayed Mr Redmond, tho Irish soldiers would be fighting to-day in over-increasing numbers. How could Britain claim that she was lighting to free the subject races of Europe while Ireland was fettered by tlie tyrainiv of a military Government. Ireland believed that the Home Rule Act would be treated as a scrap of paper. Tho German plots in Ireland had succeeded in depriving Britain of the Irish troops, aud in compelling largo garrisons to be retained. They would have failed ignominiously but for tho methods of the Government and tho War Office. Sir Edward Carson said the situation in Ireland was desperate. If the Government, persisted in its present policy a friendly settlement would become impossible. Mr Dillon suggested that they should ask America for a scheme of settlement. He was prepared to accept the verdict of a jury of Americans appointed by President Wilson. The Right Hon. E. Shortt, K.C., denied the charges. The Nationalists, and not the Government, were responsible for making matters worse. The Governmeut was compelled to take strong measures. The country was a mass of sedition. A complete military system, skilfully organised, was discovered in the west and south, secretly importing explosives. Instructions had also been circulated how to destroy bridges and communications, and cut the railways. Tho situation was improving, and Ireland was in an exceedingly prosperous condition. Mr Dillon's resolution was defeated by 245 votes to 10G.