New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-18
Obstetrics Signify Intention
of Wrecking Dublin
Convention
Fight Franchise Bill
Sim Feiners Gaining Fresh
Strength in Sweep Through
the Country
By Arthur s. Draper

LONDON. Oct. 17.-Bcfore farlla-
mcnt got fairly in its stride to-day the
governments position had been Jeopar-
died by an Irish split.
The break came this evening during
debate on the reform bill, when the
Ulster representatives showed the e%-
IRENE Ulsterites that they intended to
vroc', tho convention which has been
sitting since July in Dublin. A techni-
cal point was made that the bill does
not apply to Ireland unless there IS 10
he redistribution Of voting which VIII
have the effect Of throwing large mum
lers Of constituencies in the hands OF
Ulster and consequently weaken the
agricuturists
Sir George Cave, the Home Secre-
tarv. made a speech supporting this
contention. Dillon, the Nationalist
leader. bitterly attacked the scheme
whereuron Duke, the Irish Secretary,
pleaded for a postponement of discus
sion. It was apparent that Duke has
Joined the forces Of the Nationalist
in a moderate campaign, that there IS
a divergence Of views in the govern
mont forces and that the extreme
Ulster wing is determined TO hght on
tho same grounds as before the conven-
ton was called.
Issue still Remains
The crisis has passed temporarily
but the issue will he raised again IN
few DAYS. when n division may result
If the franchise bill is beaten tne
Government will undoubtedly fall ana
Ascuitb might be called 20 form new
one. There seems 90 be no desire D"
INV quarter for general election.
i-nouestionablv IN the next few days
efforts will be made TO reach compro.
mise. and il is hoped for the sake OF
a VIGOROUS prosecution OF the war thal
these will be successful.
Next Tuesday Redmond's resolution
calling attention 10 conditions I'D ire
land will be debated. but 10 Is uNiihelI
70 prove productive of any matcIlaI
change T. is understood that the lrlsh
convention has not yet reached set
clement. but the general opinion -
that il Home Rule is 10 be accepiapie
az all IL must include Ulster as Well,
The difficulty is the inclusion OF "
e-or on the question Of taxation. BeI-
fact is absolutely dependent on her
irnnor.s of flax. coal and iron. Many
Nationaists are high protecuonlslS'
and though Redmond is concihatory on
tbis question. Belfast is worried When-
ever there ia mention OF farms. II
Belfast is forced TO pay duty on my
ports from England they lear 'hat
many of their Industries VIII De
wrecked. car
ondary importance 70. the aiia@. .b5
sweep Of the Sim Fem through 'He
country To-day the movement ],
s stror,,er than ever. but - IS believed
tLat in the event Of Home Rule gong
forU.ard IL would lose many supporters.
Tho government d. bound 20 have
lively time and it viii take clever
manpuvring 20 get the ship or sla'e
over the many shoals ahead.
Kept Waiting Too Long
An unusual situation arose io-day
when 70 was announced at meeting o.
the co6perative conference, fepI
ing over three million con umei.' '""'
The invitation of the Premier 20 nave
denu+ation wait upon him was deemed
months As a result, the cooperators
have formed close alliance with the
trade unionists and intend TO play
The air ministry is another subject
Offering considerable dificuites ior
The government Ordinarily "Ihe Daiiy
Express" is d most loyal supporter %
the Premier. but to-day 1T says:
The Asouith government which was
wait-ard-see government, is 10 be
come known as q we-always -mcant-to
government. We DO not want political
bombing: we want bombing by ma
chine. The people believe the best OIL
fence against the Hun murder ma
F chimes is to pay him back ID has own
coin" l..t
The other serious problems which
/ the government must meet IN Parlla-
ment are the questions of man power
food shortage and prices.