Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-05-26
LLOYD GEORGE
SEEKS HARMONY
Minister of Munitions
Selected for Task of
Uniting Hostile Fac
Redmond, Car
son and O'Brien
Pledge Support

London. May &.-The House Of Com.
mons has rarely seen a demonstration Of
greater unity than was displayed this
afternoon when the leaders of all fac.
tons flocked to the standard of the prime
minister in an effort to achieve last
ing settlement Of the Irish question.
This was the more remarkable because
a heated and acrimonious debate had been
predicted to follow Premier Asquith's ex-
pected statement regarding the situation
and the governments proposals for a So
luton Of the problem. Mr.. Asquith's
speech took an unexpected turn. for in
stead of giving details he made an earn.
est plea for the settlement Of the Irish
question by agreement among the con-
tending parties in Ireland and announced
that David Lloyd George had undertaken
the delicate task of bringing the hostile
factions together.
Support rendered ~'"' ,
The premier concluded with an appeal
that for a time all debate on the ques-
ton. both in the House of Commons and
outside, be suspended in view Of the ad-
verse effect such argument might have
on the difficult undertaking facing the
Inc premier speech was
heard with intense interest by the men,
bers and he had scarcely resumed his
seat when John Redmond. the Nationalist
leader, rose and acquiesced in the pre-
mier's request, adding. with voice filled
with emotion, his ardent desire for a So
luton Of the difficulties Of his country.
Mr.. Redmond was quickly followed
by his political arch-enemy. Sir Edward
Carson, who rendered his support to the
proposition, and by the independent
Irish leader, William OBrien, who did
likewise.
These speeches effectively obliterated
party lines for the moment and those
members who had come prepared to
attack the government fell in with the
leaders and the question was dropped.
David Lloyd George. stepping tenn
porarily from the ministry of munitions
to a sort of round table conference to
settle the Irish difficulty, is striking
illustration Of how at all the great cris-
es and emergencies during the war this
statesman has come to the front as
strong man and saviour Of the coun-
try. In the early days Of the war he
gained an enviable reputation in the
eyes of the men Of all parties for his
capable handling Of the nations inan-
ces. and then came to the rescue in the
military emergency as head OF the min
istry of munitions to provide the army
with shells
Lately, it was undoubtedly his force
full personality which converted the
country. in the face of the strongest
opposition to universal military SER
vice.
Now he steps into the breach to
solve one of the most difficult politi-
cal problems ever presented to British
reconcile the apparently
sections of the Irish
PEOPLE and establish home rule in Ire
land. How soon Mr.. Lloyd George will
be able to arrange a formal confer
ence and exactly what shape the con"
ference will take is still unknown. He
has been engaged for some Gays in in
formal talks prepare tory to such
conference. and 1t IS understood that.
besides John Redmond. the Irish Ma
tional leader, and Sir Edward Carson,
the home secretary. who has much to
10 with framing the finance classes Of
the home rule act Other names men
toned are John Dillon and Joseph
Devlin. 1t is asserted that the proceed
ngs of the conference will be quite
and that the place Of meet
ing will be Lloyd Georges private room
At the ministry Of munitions. In the
parliamentary Hobbies today a feeling
# optimism prevailed that the cir
under which the parties
are being called together offer
chance of settlement.