Evening star., 1918-04-10
Conscription Plan Announced
Is Coupled With Home
Rule Promise.
LLOYD GEORGE TELLS
OF WESTERN BATTLES
Must Be Won if Years of War Are
Avoided-Allies Never Will Ac-
cept a German Peace.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
LONDON, Tuesday, April "a politi-
! cal bombshell was thrown in the house
of commons today by David Lloyd
George, the prime minister, when he an
| nounced that conscription would be ex-
tended to Ireland and that the govern
ment intended to extend home rule to
Ireland. The scenes during the course
of the premier's speech in reference to
Ireland we're dramatic, approving cheers
and cries Of protest arising from all
parts of the house.
During the latter part Of his speech
the premier was frequently interrupted
by angry Irish members. A test OF
strength soon developed when Joseph
Deylin, nationalist, moved motion to
adjourn. The government demanded a
closure on his motion and then adjourn
ment was defeated by an overwhelming
vote.
No Signs Of Approval.
Irish approval Of the proposed meas
ures was not foreshadowed by the atti-
tude of the nationalist leaders. nor did
the Ulster faction show any signs OF
conciliation. John Dillon, the success
sor of John Redmond. denounced con-
scription. Sir Edward Carson, the ul-
ster leader, while approving conscrip-
ton, objected to the Introduction OF
the home rule measure at this time.
The house approved the introduction OF
the governments man power bill by
2s9 to so, and it was announced tnae
time for discussion of the bill had
been extended until next Tuesday.
Premier Lloyd George said the ex-
clusion of Ireland could not be justified
any longer and the character OF tne
war was as much Irish as Engilsh
ireland, through her representatives,
had approved the war ana voted 20
commit the empire to it.
Refers to Redmond Speech.
After reading a declaration of the
Irish party approving British partici-
nation in the war, the premier con-
tinued:
May I also refer to'a speech de-
| nyered by the late John REDMOND az
Mansion House, Dublin. when ne was
addressing a recruiting meeting there.
He said:
"The heart of ireland has been pro-
foundly moved by the spectacle OF the
heroism and sufferings Of Belgium. Ihe
other day in London l met Cardinai
Archbishop Mercier and I took the lib
ertv of promising him then that ire
land would bring her arms and her
strength to avenge Louvain and to up
| hold and defend the integrity and IN
dependence of Belgium.
Belgium, Poland, Alsace-Lorraine y Q
and France. Those are "oras aoa a,,a. unr
was war in which higher and nobier
issues were at stake. nave heafo
some people speak OF this war as an
| English and not an irish war. ihaL -
lands highest imperial interests are
| at stake.
Americas Stand Proof.
"The fact that America is in this war
| is the best proof. There are more
there are in Ireland. They are all sub
| iect to conscription. Capt. w. 5. Red-
mond. son of the late Irish leader, in
| terrupted: Not by England.)
| "Irishmen in Great Britain are SUP
| ject to conscr1ptlon anu 50 arc LIS
4 men in Canada.
| Irish battalions and divisions. ac-
| cording to all testimony, have main.
! tanned the high honor and repute OF
their native land and those battalions
| are sadly depleted. and they are no"
| filled or half filled, with Englishmen.
| If it were merely England's battle the
| Young men of Ireland might regard
| that fact with indifference, but 1T is
not. They are just as much concerned
| as the young men of England
Therefore. we propose to extend the
military service act to ireland unosr
| the same conditions as in Great Brit
ain. AS there is no machinery in exist
| ence and no register has yet been COM
| pleted in Ireland, it may take some
| weeks before actual enrolment begins.
AS soon as arms are complete the gov
| ernment shall by an order in council
| put the act into immediate operation"
Held Declaration Of War.
THAT is declaration of war against
Ireland" interrupted William oBrien.
nationalist member for Cork. and
Michael Flayin. member for Kerry, add
ed, land Irishmen all over the world"
| without delay" replied the premier,
who continued: Meanwhile we intend
to invite parliament to pass measure
for self-government for Ireland"
You can keep it, said Alfred Byrne.
nationalist for Dublin.
/ Let there be no misapprehension.
Both questions will not hang together.
Each must be taken on its merits" said
the premier.
/ you can keep both," replied Mr..
Byrne.
the view of home rule it is new view
for Ireland.
while Great Britain is fighting for
national rights in Europe with all re-
serves and strength she Is prepared to
concede the same rights In her own
sphere of government. The report of
the remarkable convention which has
been held In Ireland, and which has
just brought its proceedings to ter
l mination. affords the British parIia-
ment another opportunity OF approach
ing this vexed question with more
lhope OF success"
| Devlin Interrupts.
Mr.. Devlin interrupted the speaker
4 on a point of order. saying: "This is
not a matter Of petty controversy:
this is a matter of most vital impor-
i tance to Ireland. My point of order Is
this, and you need not try to howl me
i down. because will not sit down.
j You may try Prussian methods in Ire-
i land. but you do not crush US here.
n 70 lrv SnrY mn .