The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-03-07
PRINCE ARTHUR TO BE FIRST VlCEROY
 UNDER HOME RULE
First Cousin of King Expect ed to Reconcile Irish
 Factions.
Changes in Act Are Expected To Cause Prolonged
 Discussion.

fnitely decided that Prince Arthur of ConnaugIat is to be the first Home Rule viceroy of Ireland. There was some talk of his succeeding his father, the Duke of Connaught as Governor General of Canada, but this will not now take place, unless the UnfoGsas es are successful in preventing the GOV ernment from establishing a paFA2- ment in Ireland
 Like all members of the Connaught family. Prince Arthur is extremely popular. and besides it is considered that he would make an able and re- sponsible viceroy, awinile his nearness to the throne and his personal 1ntf- macy with the king would have a great effect in soothing Unionist sus- capabilities in Ireland.
 It would be difficult for Irish socie- ty to boycott 8 Vice-regal Court held by the first cousin and the niece oI the Sovereign. especially after the latter had visited Dublin in person to open the first Irish parliament, which he will do if that Parliament is ever summoned
 There is a little prospect, however of the Home Rule Bill becoming law early the coming summer, as Nation a1fsts and Liberals have often declar- ed would be the case It is now pre- dicted that Ireland's fight for self government will not be over before next fall.
 At best nothing can be done with the Home Rule Bill until April for financial affairs will take up all of March, and now that Premier Asqutth has promised to make liberal conces- sions to overcome the objections Of Ulster, it will probably take most or the summer to reframe the Dill No one is seriously displeased at the de- layS for 1t is believed it will work to a better understanding. The Govern ment will have time to consider thor ough1y it's proposed amendments and to determine whether they will have the desired effect of promoting peace.
 The alterations involved in the present bill would be enormous, and some portions would have to be re- drafted if any of the amendments are adopted. The exclusion of Ulster would require a complete modification of the financial clauses, and Home Rule within Home Rule would be quite as complicated
 Premier Asoutth will be very sure Of his ground before placing any of his suggestions on paper but during the next few weeks various sugges- ftens will be submitted to the Union 3st leaders. If no agreement results the Government will simply intro duce it's manifestations and let the HQuse and public opinion judge: Even when the suggestions come before the House progress will not be rapid There are some inreco1DciDaIbIes who will fight the bill to the bitter end, while from other quarters there will come very severe criticism of de- tails
 The irreconcilab1es hope the Gov ernmenf will produce a scheme which will be satisfactory to the majority of Unionists and Liberals but which will meet with the disapprovaI of the Ma fionaIists.
 MT. Asquith is not at all likely to do that He has staked the political for tunes of hdrnself and his party on the Home Rule Bill, and it is very well known that his great ambition is to carry out the desires of his old chief, Gladstone, and bring contentnent to the majority of Irishmen.
 The procedure to be followed is very clearly stated in the Parliament Act After the bill has been read a second time the Government will come forward with their suggestions. and long series of debates may be expected in the Commons.
 The Unionists will doubtless oppose them, but it may be inferred from what Lloyd George said in the debate on the speech from the throne that the Government will persist in them. and will send them to the Lords. II is then that the real fight will begin, and it may be weeks before the strug- gle is finally decided.
 Lord Derby is being picked by many political observers as likely to prove Q dark horse in the contest for the
 
 turn to power.
 Those who most ardently support ed Bonar Law are now believing thai his leadership has proved a failure. He is over seventy years of age and he is Lfbera1-Unionfst, 8 party associa- ton which has never helped a man to the leadership of the Unionists.
 Lord Derby on the other hand, who has been Unionist leader in Lanca- shire for many years, has never asso- 1fa Trf 7ee1R f1a<, fED<. form which has helped to defeat the Unionists at three successive genera elections.
 He is a free fooder." like most I1ancastrians, and has further strengthened his position by taking g strong stand against those who threatened civil war if the Home Rule Bill is passed. While staunch anti. Home Ruier. Lord Derby spoke strongly against the Ulster men should they rise against law and or der Again, he denounced aSttenpt to revive the royal veto, when sec cion of his party suggested that the King should be petitioned to withhold his signature from the Home Rule Bill. He therefore gained the repu. sation of being a strong constitutional fst.
 The Lancashire leader has the ad ~antage of having served in the House of Commons and has had considerable experience in the cabinet. He start ed his career as member of tn. stan of the Governor-G General O. Canadas was chief press censor ane private secretary to Lord Robert during the South African war. ant was twice mentioned in dispatche. for conspicuous services. Upon re turn to England he became one of tn. Lords of the Treasury, and later Eli nancia1 Secretary to the War Office where he remained until he entered The cabinet as Postmaster GeneraI
 He had to retire from the House O. Commons, where he represented tn, West Houghton division of I1ancasflir, for fourteen years, on the death of hi father in 1906, but he has continued his interest in politics. If not actual