New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-22

safeguard the Treasury. lrishmen might
become unanimous and 60 TO the
Chancellor of the Exchequer when II
was case of making a demand on
the Imperial Excheauer. He could not
imagine Great Britain acting niggardly,
but the British Treasury must nave
word TO say on the subject.
Lloyd George. hoped sincerely, and
believed that the convention was go.
ing to have reasonable chance OF
success. There would be good deal
of discussion as to the basis OF repre-
sentation with respect TO the BODIES
who should be nominated, but on this
there would be no undue delay.
He entreated the House to believe
that nothing but special war consid-
erations would have induced the gov.
eminent to take up the settlement of
so thorny a problem in the midst OF
great war
John Redmond apparently was
ready TO make the utmost sacrifices
to achieve union. Assuming that all
idea of settlement by partition was
now given up, he insisted on the two
points that the convention be an abso-
lutely free assembly where every
member would be able TO say every
thing in his mind, and also that 1t be
representative, not only of all creeds
and classes, but of county councils,
Irish peers, Lord Mayors, universities
and professions Altogether every ele-
ment really counting in Irish life.
Redmond Demands Quick Action
For the sake of getting the best
possible convention together he offered
TO accept a very limited representation
of Nationalists, an equally large repre-
sentation of Ulstermen, and gener-
Gus representation of Sim Feiners. II
it would add anything to the cause Of
unity he was personally ready to step
down. All he demanded from the
government was quick action in as
sembling the convention. In pathet-
ic passage he described the life OF
an Irish politician as one long series
Of disappointments and disillusions.
"As we grow older we feel our
ideals growing DINNER and more
blurred" he said, until the time
comes when one gets the viewpoint
that it is wrong to shrink from COM
promise. But if the convention should
result in a substantial agreement II
would be worth all the postponements
of the past forty years. To attain that
result there was no personal sacrlhce
he was unwilling to make.
The House gave the warmest recep-
ton to his speech, several members
afterward describing IL as one of the
noblest utterances ever heard in Par
lament Redmond declared that he
took il for granted that all Irishmen
of all sections would on consideration
feel it their duty to come in and meet
their fellow countrymen. He approved
the proposal to have small nominated
element as well as the nomination of
the chairman by the crown.
~ have the sure hope" he continued,
"that the result of the convention will
be blessed enc for Ireland and the
empire. With all my heart ! hope the
convention will be animated by the
true spirit Of Cancellation among Irish
men"
Lonsdale unfolding
The speech of Sir John Lonsdale, sec
rotary and whip of the Irish Unionist
party. was very dfferent-narrow and
unyielding. He declared it was not a
compromise the Nationalists wanted,
but a surrender on the part of Ulster.
Ulster would not be coerced into Home
Rule by Parliament, he said, but he
added that the party would submit the
convention proposal TO the people Of
Ulster. as he and his colleagues would
not take the responsibility of closing
the doors upon the experiment.
William O'Brien made a provocative
and mischevous speech, but finally
supported the convention. One remark
struck the House forcibly, Now listen
TO the voice of the United States in
friendly conference"
Mr.. Asquith's speech. warning the
Commons of tie consequences of re-
jecting this last effort, was spoken with
the authority of one whose hold on
the assembly seems greater than ever.
"If the convention fails. then heaven
help u.s." he said. ave are so wanting
in resources of craftsmanship that we
cannot settle here at our own doors
what is most vital TO our interests and
TO our honor"
Then Sir Edward Carson, speaking
from the difficult position of a man
who nearly brought about rebellion in
Ulster, appealed TO his old colleagues
not to hold alocf, though he asserted
his convictions remained unchanged. II
every one entered the convention with
freedom and an honest desire to do his
best for the country and the empire,
il might be successful. while on any
other terms il would certainly fail.
Sir Edward declared that, whether
the Ulster Unionists accepted the gov
ernment's offer or not, he would never
desert them.
II value my honor more than any
thing can owe to the government" he
announced.
William O'Brien. leader of the indie
pendent Nationslists. stated that
Home Rule settlement by the consent
Of all parties and by his countrymen of
all persuasions had been the great OBJ
ject of his political life. The govern
ment's plan might we'll make the ears
of every Irishman who had fought with
him Jingle with xatisfaction- a IL