Evening star., 1917-05-18
Mr.. Redmond's Reply.

IN his reply u AlOyu oeoi6 sc Nhi. Iseu-
mond served notice that the first pro-
posal for the partition of Ireland would
be opposed vigorously by his COLI
leagues. His letter continued:
THE second alternative. the assem-
bling of a convention of Irishmen of all
parties for the purpose of producing a
scheme of Irish self-government' has
much to recommend it. You ask:
Irishmen of all creeds and parties
might meet in convention for the pur-
pose of drafting constitution which
will secure a just balance Of all oppos-
unhappy discords which 30 long have
distracted Ireland and impeded its har-
monious development?
This is the great ideal, and trust 1T
may be found possible of realization.
My colleagues and I at all events will
place no obstacle in the way, and we
are prepared to recommend this pro-
posal most earnestly to our country
men on condition that the basis where
on the convention is to be called is
and fairly representative of 1rishmen
of all creeds. interests and parties, and,
secondly. that the convention be sum-
moned without delay. If this proposal
is put into operation I can assure you
that no effort on the part of my COL
leagues and myself will be spared to
realize the high and blessed ideal
pointed to in the concluding paragraph
of your letter."
ALI ireland Opposed to Plan.
DUBLIN. via London, May 1s-The
government plan for the settlement of
the Irish question has received no good
word from anybody in Ireland. Ma
tionalists. whether supporters or op-
ponents of John Redmond. agree in
condemning the proposals. They are
regarded as the worst yet put forward.
and as putting the clock back behind
the position Sir Edward Carson, the
Ulster leader, assumed at the Bucking-
ham Palace conference in 1914. 1t is
pointed out that they exclude six coun-
ties en- bloc. without giving them
chance of voting their views.
Many of the nationalists express the
opinion that the partition policy was
adopted as a tactical move to defeat
home rule, and that once home rule
was recognized as inevitable even the
unionist counties would vote them-
selves in. especially the Episcopalian
Protestants. whose church is bound by
many ties to all Ireland.
1t is further pointed out that the
proposals not only prevent the nation
alist counties of Tyrone and Ferma-
hinder their coming in later by pro-
viding for their inclusion with the
others.
Home Rule Finance.
The home rule finance was based on
the fact that Ireland cost $4,000, 900
more yearly than she paid: she now Is
paying f25,000.oO0 instead of ELL 200. 900,
and the premier's reference to the
financial side of the question. 1t is con-
| tended. means that a portion Of her
own money win be given to Ireland.
The suggested convention of all repre-
| sentative Irishmen, however, is cor
daily welcomed by all sections Of the
nationalists, who regard 1t as based on
full concession of the home rule prin-
ciple. 1t Ia thought possible. however,
| that the unionists may not wish to
| join I'm the convention.
William o'Brien, leader of the inde-
pendent nationaiists, replying to Pre-
mier Lloyd George, said he was unal-
terably opposed to any scheme of par
tition. He himself and his friends were
prepared, however, to give hearty sup
port to the proposal for convention
of Irishmen of all classes and creeds