The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1918-05-11
IRISH MEMBERS not TO
TAKE PART N HOME
RULE DISCUSSION
PREVAILING OPINION Is THAT
IRELAND CAN BEST ASSIST IN
WAR WITHOUT CONSUMPTION
Religious Issues Injected As Result
Of EngIand's "No Popery" Cry
T. p. O'connor to Re-
main in Washington.
English Lawyer Would Turn Govern
ment of ireland Over to
United States.

Dublin, April 29.-The decision Of
Nationalist leaders to remain away
from parliament during the home rule
discussion has been reaffirmed They
will remain on this side of the Irish
sea until parliament has definitely dis
posed of the question, and whether
they return then, or at all, they say,
depends on England's final terms.
Home rule for Ireland leaders now
have withdrawn completely from En-
gland, and whatever legislation is en-
acted will be an expression entirely
of British statesmen, unhampered by
the presence or suggestions of Irish
members.
A Nationalist leader of international
reputation said today not single
member of the party has been consult
ed by the British government in franz
ing the present bill, and he is con-
WINGED that Downing street has decided
for veal or woe on an irrevocable pro-
gram, and will attempt to put it
through whether Ireland likes it or not.
Leader Stands for Volunteer Idea.
This leader says he still is convinced
they can get more men for the army
from Ireland by home rule and the
voluntary system than by conscrip-
ton. He estimates the volunteer plan
would produce three or four divisions,
or $4,000. Others do not think the
government will get half that number.
Responsible leaders say the govern
ment's estimate of 100000 men, assum-
ing they could be got by enforced con.
scription, would paralyze industrial
and agricultural Ireland, which now is
vital to the Allies.
Shipbuilding and linen industry in
Ulster, leaders contend, are more i'm
portant than the few men available for
the army, and these trades are ex-
empted. Conscription, they say, would
fall on the farming districts, which are
now furnishing enormous supplies to
the Allies.
Record Crop Is Promised.
The acreage this year is the largest
in the history of the island and the
argument of home rulers is that to
conscript these districts would lead to
serious trouble, and, in their opinion,
to the ruin of the promised bumper
crops.
The contention is that the Allies
would get better results if Ireland
were left to furnish what volunteers it
can and devote its energies to man
ufacturing and foodstuffs.
Raising mo Popery'' cry in England
seems to have had the effect of fur
Their solidifying the anticonscription-
lists and embittering resentment by the
Irish people.
Credulous people are told this is a
forerunner to the re-establishment of
penal laws, and in Catholic sections of
Ireland responsible persons state there
is no sacrifice the people would not
endure in defense of the holy church
nSuSIOu8 tissue InISnStHoQs
Injection of the religious issue has
intensified hatreds and makes the stu
alton more critical. we'll informed men
state.
Leaders are anxiously waiting re-.
ports from the United States. The
better Informed leaders expect consid-
cradle criticism of the present stand
from America, but at the same time
believe their friends in the United
States will be able to soften this criti-
cfsm by explaining 1reland's passion
ate dream Of home rule.
The papers today print the substance
of the Chicago Irish Fellowship clubs
telegram to President Wilson, and the
statement that T. p. O'Connor and
Lord Earl Reading held a conference
in Washington.
Local leaders had no report from
OConnor and are in the dark as to the
significance of this. A cable was sent
to O'Connor from Dublin to remain in
Washington.
confesses Failure Of British Rule.
London, May 1.-(Correspondence
of the Associated Press.)-Solve Ire
lands troubles by turning the island
over to the United States. This plan
is offered by Sir Edward Marshall
Hall, former member Of parliament and
one Of the best known criminal law
yers in England.
successive British governments
have failed to deal with the Irish
question" he says, "and we are faced
with grave disaster. AS we. have fail
ed, why not ask the United States to
help us and offer to hand over the gov
eminent of Ireland to them"
'Instead of creating possible Ger
man menace within few miles of oul
own shores, we should bring our allies