The sun., 1917-05-22
HOME RULE PLAN
LEFT T0IRELAND
Lloyd George Puts Burden
of Solution on Erin's
Own People.
REDMOND GIVES ASSENT
Convention to Be Behind
Closed DOOrs-Cr0wn to
Pick Chairman.
Special Gable Despatch 10 The suN

Special Gable Despatch 10 The suN.
LONDON, May 81. - with the whole
empire calling upon the minority Of Irish
irreconcilables to settle their differences
among themselves and establish some
form of government under which they
are willing to live. Premier Lloyd George
went before Parliament to-day and out
lined his project for a convention OF
1rishmen-of Irishmen only-represent-
ing all factions, to make their own plans
for Ireland's government.
Lloyd George has cannily put the onus
on the Irishmen at time when nobody
will be disposed to sympathize with
them II they fail Lloyd Georges pro-
posal that the Whole question Of how
Ireland is to be governed shall be left
to Ireland itself to decide appeals to all
the cominions Of the empire and to most
American supporters Of Ireland. with
the result that the Irish politicians find
themselves in bad fix
The Premier's proposal. moreover. is
almost universally supported in England
"A situation which would have been ut
terly impossible three years ago. Such
a proposal before the war probably
would have caused the instant defeat
OF Premier. no matter how popular,
who advanced H. Now. however. there
Is great willingness to let the Irish set =
tie their own troubles or confess that
they are utterly unable or unwilling
even TO trY
Premier's Outline of Action.
The Premier told the House OF COM
mons that the Government will call a
convention of Irishmen to frame con-
stitution for Ireland. and II the Irishmen
are able to agree upon any scheme for
the administration Of their country the
Government will attempt to enact II into
legislation without delay. All sections.
parties creeds and factions. with clergy
men and laymen. as wen as politicians,
and even revolutionis.s OF the Sim Fein
Society. will be invited to get together
II this final attempt succeeds a po-
litical miracle will have been accom-
plished. There II no great optimism re-
specting the success of The plan. for u
ster stands where she has always stood.
Sir John Lonsdale. whip of the Irish
Cnionists. predicted the same old dead
lock. declaring that Ulster would not be
driven into a home rule parliament, and
predicting that the Nationalists will not
consent TO the exclusion Of six Ulster
counties.
But il the attempt fails, the failure
Will deprive the ancient charge that
John Bulls greater island Is the op-
pressor' of much OF its force, and il is
npintad hat a,H
described before the European peace
conference as another Poland, while
America and the colonies can no longer
reproach Great Britain with having
neglected TO set her own house In order
Both houses Of Parliament discussed
Ireland to-day with hardly A. ripple OF
the old animosities and feuds disturbing
their harmony.
The patient must administer to him
self" said Mr.. Lloyd George A note
worthy feature Of the discussion was an
agreement that politicians must play a
secondary part TO the men from other
walks OF life.i The Prepier specified the
Natiopalist factions. OF which John Red
mond and William O'Brien are the
leaders. the Ulster Unionists, the South
ern Unionists and the Sim Feiners as
the political bodies which should be
represented in the convention. but said
that the Government considered II most
important that representatives OF local
governing bodies, the churches, trade
unions and commercial and educational
interests should participate
John Redmond Agrees.
AIR. Redmond agreed to this policy.
and the veteran home ruler even offered
to obliterate himself In the interests OF
harmony. But the House refused loudly
to accept his offer.
Even Lord Lansdowne. who has been
charged by some with the wreckage of
Mr.. Lloyd Georges previous work of rec
onciliation. told the Lords that the road
to home rule had been travelled too far
for turning back. and referred to the i'm
portance OF facilitating the task OF
those who are our friends in America -
The conception OF the convention for
all Ireland finds It's inspiration in the
making of the Union OF South Africa
after the Boer war. when the British
and the Afrikanders. whose enmity then
certainly equalled that of the Irish fac
tions. were able to thresh out a consti-
tuition. For the position OF chairman or
the convention colonial might WELD
strong influence for harmony, and Baron
Shaughnessy, president OF the Canadian
Pacific Railway Company. who was born
in the United States of Irish parents. ia
mentioned. as are also ex-PremIer As
quith and Lord Donoughmore, who have
special talents for a position recurring
large parliamentary experience and
much diplomacy. There was a report in
the lobby that the Duke of Connauebt
might be chosen chairman by the Crown
II Is expected that the selections for
the membership of the convention viii
be made within a week. The sessions
will be behind closed doors, for which
the Premier cited the framing of the
constitutions of the United States
Canada and the Union Of South Africa
as precedents.
Many Peers In House.
Immediately after question time In the
House Lloyd George arose to make
his statement. The House was crowded
with members, while the Duke of Con.
naught and many peers. including Lord
stamfordham and Lord MacdonnelI oc.
cupied seats in the gallery. Lloyd
George said there was one thing com.
mon to the failure OF all attempts 10
arrive at a settlement-that the pro.
posals had emanated from British
Government. The present Government
therefore. had decided to invite Irish.
men themselves to put forward their
proposals.
Hitherto Great Britain had undertaken
all the construction and Ireland all the
,criticism. Once Irishmen were con-
fronted with the problem they would
Cowttxssd on Third Psss.
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