Evening star., 1918-01-22
SIR EDWARD CARSON
QUITS WAR CABINET
Believes It to National Ad-
vantage to Retire Owing
to Irish Question.
RESIGNATION WILL STAND

RESIGNATION WILL STAND
LONDON. January 22.-Sir Edward
Carson, minister without portfolio in
the war cabinet. has resigned. This
announcement was made officially last
night. The prime minister has ad-
vised the king to accept Sir Edwards
resignation.
The correspondence published shows
that Sir Edwards resignation was on
the Irish question and had nothing to
do with the conduct of the war.
Sir Edwards Explanation.
Sir Edward in a letter to the pre-
mier says that when he joined the
cabinet he had no consideration in
mind except the prosecution Of the
war, and had not anticipated that the
Irish question would be reopened dur
ing the war.
subsequently," the letter continues.
when the convention was proposed
used my influence TO induce friends to
participate IN an effort to reach a set
tlement, but on account Of the dual
position I held as member of the gov
ernment and leader Of the Ulster party
I felt It incumbent on me to stand
aloof from the convention. 1t, how
4, ever. is apparent that whatever the
issue. of the convention its proceedings
may lead to situation demanding
decision by the government on grave
matters Of policy in Ireland.
After anxious consideration I feel
that it would be advantageous for the
~ "a -.
out my presence. I also de-
sire to be entirely unfettered in form
ing judgment on any situation that
may arise. taking account both of the
supreme duty that rests on US all in
assisting the prosecution of the war
and my personal obligations as leader
OF the Ulster Unionist party.
No Disagreement as to War.
"I should like it clearly understood
that since I Joined the government
there never has been any matter of
conduct of the war or the principles
and aims for which we are fighting
where found myself in disagreement
with you or my other colleagues in the
war cabinet.
II very much regret this severance.
but am convinced1t is for the national
advantage at the present juncture"
Mr.. Lloyd George replied to Sir Ed
ward, expressing the deepest and most
most unfeigned regret because of the
value attach to the unyarying cour-
age and sagacity you brought to the
councils of the nation.
I recognize your special difficulties"
the premier's letter continues, land al
tnough you have fought hard and re-
peafedly against the conclusion you have
arrived at I am compelled to admit under
the present circumstances there is wisdom
In the course you have taken.
l. H
help and answering loyalty during the
year OF our association in this terrible
t2sk?"
Uncompromising on Home Rule.
The resignation of Sir Edward Carson
takes out Of the cabinet one of the
most uncompromising British states
men on the question of home rule for
Ireland For years Sir Edward has op-
posed the setting up of an Irish par
lament, and prior to the outbreak of
the present war, when the Irish ques-
s1on was at its height, he even went
70 the extent Of organizing and train
Ing the Ulster volunteers for civil war
against the British government il home
rule for Ireland, which would embrace
the county of Ulster, was inaugurated.
Less than a month before Great Bri-
tain entered the war Sir Edward pre-
sided over the provisional government
of Ireland at Belfast, and in a speech
OScldIco Iildt tne llm6 nad come Tor the
loyalistS Of Ulster to translate their
words into action. Ulster. he said, was
anxious for peace, but was not going
to accept a peace with surrender.
U1sterites Join Britain.
Then came the world war. and Sir Ed
ward almost Immediately announced
that the Ulster volunteers were ready
for service under the flag of Great Bri-
tain against the enemy. Many of the
U1sterites were among the first Of Great
Britain's forces to cross the channel
and give battle to the Germans
In May, 1915, Sir Edward was ap-
pointed attorney general in the newly
formed Asquith cabinet, but resigned
that post in October of the same year.
In an address to the house of commons
Sir Edward asserted that the reason for
his resignation was the fact that the
Asquith government was incapable of
carrying on the war.
In December, 1916, Sir Edward was
made first lord of the admiralty in the
cabinet of David Lloyd George During
the interim between his giving up Of
the post Of attorney general and the-a
ceptance of the admiralty portfolio he
frequently bitterly denounced the AS
Qufth government on various points Of
its program and especially on it's dec
1ination to apply conscription to Ire
land
Hetires From Admiralty Post.
In July, 1917, Sir Edward relinquished
his post as first lord of the admiralty
and Joined the war cabinet without
portfolio. being succeeded at the ad-
miralty by Sir Eric Campbell Geddes.
Since then the activities of Sir Edward
have not been prominently chronicled,
although at various times he has de-
Hvered speeches condemning talk of
peace and asserting that German mill
tarism must be crushed in order to pre-
vent future wars.
Inasmuch as the official announcement
of the resignation of Sir Edward says
his withdrawal from the cabinet was
due to the Irish question, it is reason
able to assume that the critical stage
which has been reached in the Irish
convention with slight prospect of
even q modified form of a substantial
agreement being reached, and the state
ment Of Sir Auckland Geddes last week
that the government had decided not
to introduce conscription in Ireland for
the present, were the chief causes for
Sir Edward Carson's withdrawal from
the government
RUSSIANS TO HOLD BIG
WAR AVIATION CONGRESS