The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1914-03-26

MISUNDERSTANDING" ny Sir Arthur
Paget Resulted in Decentralization of
Army in Ireland-Home Rule Pro-
ject Which Would Include Ulster
Now Thought Out of Question.
London, March 24.-Triumphany
whoops by the Unionists and bitter
anger by the governments supporters
are the immediate results OF the
recent handling of the army crisis.
The Unionists are not convinced by
the ministerial declaration in the
house of commons that the movement
of troops was merely a precautionary
measure to safeguard the depots OF
arms, ammunition and stores.
They have no doubt that the
forcible coercion of Ulster was de-
termined upon but that the action of
number of officers in resigning had
convinced the government that the
army could not be employed for that
purpose.
Details of the revolt of the army
officers against service in Ulster had
been awaited with strained expecta-
ton by the whole country Only brief
statements were forthcoming from the
secretary of war and the premier and
the gist OF these was that the whole
affair was due to misunderstanding"
and that all the officers had now re-
turned to their duty.
AS far as the minister's statements
can be interpreted the misunderstood
ing" arose through General Sir Arthur
Paget placing a wrong construction
on the orders given him by the war
office and telling his subordnates they
were to be employed in quellng an
uprising in Ulster.
The number of officers who re
signed their commissions the extent
of the disaffection in the army and
other details were not disclosed
Colonel Seely was derisively ieered
during his explanation. Andrew Bonar
Law, leader of the opposition, had
stated that nothing can save the army
now except that declaration that OF
ficers will not be compelled to engage
in civil war against their wish When
he said that officers refusing to serve
against Ulster were only doing their
duty the Labor members shouted
How about strikes"
The whole affair is generally accept
ed as demonstrating that the army
cannot be counted upon to fight Sir
Edward CarsOn's volunteers if such Il
contingency should arise. Opposition
politicians declare that this means the
collapse of the home rule project and
express their belief that the govern
ment may soon relinquish office.
arthur J. BalEour, former Unionist
premier, ridiculed Premier Asquths
efforts TO minimize the occurrences in
the army and declared that Brigadier
General Hubert Cough had been rein
stated after he had still declared that
he would not fight against Ulster.
THE insane policy of the govern
ment," Mr.. Balfour asserted. "has
brought about crisis or infinite harm
and evil to the community, a crisis
which will live for years and which
the government would have escaped if
it had ascertained what Ulster thought
and what her supporters were ready
TO sacrifice"
The Unionists are convinced that
the army cannot in any event be com.
PEELED to fight Ulster and for that
reason the government cannot force
that province to accept home rule.
at may pass the home rule bill"
CavC tho Dailv Moil TEn,t tlo ro,1-
Ulster will remain and on that rock
the government will shatter its
strength. Ulster stands armed, un-
conquered and unconquerable. She
cannot be coerCed and she cannot be
fooled She will not be sacrificed be-
cause the ministers have not the
power to sacrifice her"
This is fair sample of the COM
ment of the Unionist papers. On the
other hand the Liberal press voices
the indignation felt by the bulk of the
government coalition.
THE country is faced with the
greatest issue that has arisen in our
time" says the Daily News and Lead
er. ut is whether we are to be gov
erned by parliament or by the army.
The power of the house of lords is
gone and it is now the army to which
the Tories look to keep the democracy
in check and the aristocracy in power.
at is no longer a question of home
rule for Ireland, but a question of
whether we are to govern ourselves
or are to be governed by Brigadier
General Cough. Though every officer
in the army be dismissed we will have
no mailed hand raised against our
people"
The Daily Citizen, Laborite paper.
says: Until we are supplied fuller
evidence we are bound to assume that
the premier acted with weakness and
irresolution in situation that de-
manded strength and courage"
Auto Owner MUlcted Heavily.
WilkeS-Barre, Pa, March 24.-Be.