New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-09
Issue Manifesto Appealing to
u. S. and Dominions
for Help in Fight
Charge That Policy
Of Premier Aids Foes
Nationalist Bolt Brings Him
Under Fire-Asquith
Gains in Power
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER


London, March S.--Lloyd George Will
need all his skill az a mediator TO han
die the Irish situation now confronting
him. John Redmond and his National
ist colleagues have declared open war
on the government. and they hold great
power for good or evil. A manifesto
issued by the Irish party to-day. stating
that it felt bound to oppose the gov
ernment "by all the means in its
power" is direct challenge and must
be met squarely by the Premier.
The Premier is being assailed on
nearly every side.
The manifesto issued by the Nation
alists, calling for the active assistance
Of all Nationalists in Ireland, the Brit
ish dominions and the United States, is
bound to bring powerful support.
Even from his supporters among the
press the Premier is receiving no help.
The Liberal press openly shows its dis
approval.
Grave Situation for Allies
Whether the Irish question will de-
velop into a political crisis depends
partly upon the Premier's course and
partly upon military events. Neither a
political crisis nor open rebellion in
Ireland is probable. Either would give
the Allies serious setback.
Individually. several members of the
Lloyd George government face serious
criticism. The Northclitfe papers are
bitterly attacking Neville Chamberlain,
while the Liberal press is assailing
Austen Chamberlain for the Indian i'm
port move The Tory Morning Post
suggests the appointment OF a deputy
Premier 70 allow Lloyd George 10 con
centrate on the War Council.
In the midst of the confusion and
excitement, Asquith. despite his CEN
sure of the Dardanelles reports, looms
large and serene almost dominating.
He commands the opposition that VIII
help or check Lloyd George.
The Nstionalists were not present IN
the House Of Commons this afternoon.
being engaged in their meeting and the
composition Of their manifesto. copies
of which will be sent 20 President VII
son and all the premiers OF the British
dominions.
Chance for Pro-Germans
The manifesto sets forth that the at
titude the Prime Minister took last
night showed total change on the
Ulster question and generally on the
question Of Home Rule for ireland, and
a breach of faith TO the Irish party and
nation. 1t continues:
THE constitutional movement can
vet be saved. but only By the active as
sistance Of all level-headed National
lists in ireland and, to special de-
gree. bv the millions OF the Irish race
in the dominiOns and in the United
States.
"To them we appeal most earnestly
10 come TO the aid Of those who have
rescued ireland from being made the
cats paw and tool of Germany, and
who are struggling against terrible
odds 10 keep open the road 10 lrlsh
liberty through peaceful, constitutional
means-a struggle in which we are
hampered by the British government,
which PLAYS into the hands OF the lrlsn
pro-German revolutionary party with
stupid perversity worthy the worst re-
dictionaries of Petrograd.
To Oppose Government
$50 far as ireland is concerned, the
government is doing it's utmost TO aid
Germanv's work. and 80 long as this
attitude Is followed we. as Irish repre-
sentatives. while retaining our ATTITUDE
toward the war and remaining hrmly
convinced of the Justice Of the Allies
cause and unchanged in our resolve 10
do all i'm our power to aid IN bringing
II speedilv TO a successful issue. reel
bound to oppose the government by
every means in our power.
The Australian Senate have ALREADY
spoken effectively in support OF lrisn
freedom. and in behalf of the lriSh
nation. We tender them grateful thanks.
To the men Of Irish blood IN the do
minions and the United States we ap-
neal They should promptly use all
means i'm their power to bring pressure
on the British government 20 act
toward ireland in accordance with the
principles for which they are hghting
in Europe: and we especially appeal 10
,he American people 20 urge upon inc
british government the duty OF apply
ing 10 ireland the great principles so
clearly and splendidly enuncisted ny
President Wilson in his historical ad-
dress 10 the United states senate