Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-12-12
PARLIAMENT WILL
DEBATE ON BRITISH
. POLICY IN IRELAND
Question, in Coming to
Vote, Will Test Stability
of Lloyd George.
Sword IS IN ONE HAND,
OLIVE BRANCH IN OTHER"
British Press Comment on Gov.
ernment's Action Is Restrained
for Most Part.
WILL HANDICAP OVERTUREs
Bomb-Making Plant Discovered by
Authorities in Dublin-Seek Aid.
for Committee OF Hundred.
"SW0RD IS IN ONE HAND,
OLIVE BRANCH IN OTHER
WILL HANDICAP ovERTUREs
Bomb-Making Plant Discovered by
Authorities in Dublin-Seek Aid
for Committee OF Hundred.
tBy Associated Press. !


LONDON, Dec. 11.-Debate on the
governments Irish policy Is expected
10 DO opened in the House of Com
mons by Liberal leaders next Tues
day. Announcement of martial law
in Southern ireland made by Premier
Lloyd George before the House yes
terday was accompanied by intima-
lions that debate on the subject was
not desired, but 1t appears probable
the lower House OF Parliament NAV
be called upon to decide whether the
CABINETS plans regarding Ireland arc
10 De carried into execution without
the acquiescence OF the legislative
branch of the government
This question, should It come to a
vote. would test the stability OF the
Lloyd George Cabinet.
Although the declaration of martial
law in Ireland has been decided upon.
tho door TO negotiations between the
government and the Sim Fein is not
considered closed.
Comment Is Restrained.
Comment in this mornings news
papers relative to the governments
restrained. and. with the exception
of ono journal. the governments
proposals. were nowhere wholly con-
demned.
The'feature OF the Premier's speech
that did not escape notice was the
fact he was, in effect, holding nm
olive branch in one hand and the
sword in the other. II evoked some,
hi,f
was not regarded as banishlng hope
Of success.
Few will question the wisdom ana
propricty OF the new policy" said the
London Times. re the government
shows true and settled purpose to
encourage the forces making for
honorable settlement. Martial law
under responsible control is prefer
able to the existing system OF indis-
cfiminate an dlawless reprisals."
While remarking on the "extrnor-
binary and contradictory dualism" OF
the Premier's announcement, the
Daily News agreed that conditions in
districts affected by martial law
should he better. provided there is
proper administration OF the military
regime. The newspaper expressed
.
confer with Sim Feiners.
Qualification over the proclamation
OF martial law in Southwestern Ire
land was expressed by the Morning
Post. but 1t thought the proposal to
confer with that absurd and dan
gerous body calling itself the Dali
Eireann" before restoring order was
n somewhat dubious expedient.
I.nbor Orgnn Bitter.
The only note OF condemnation
came from the Daily Herald, organ
OF labor. 1t said the Premier def
nitely has pledged himself to vio-
lat:on OF justice and has sworn to
crush Ireland BY jack booted bru-
tally" The newspaper asked Brit
ism labor whether i. is going TO
take tho responsibility of supporting
and mnnitioning tho wickedness OF
the governments coercion policy. and
is Irish comrades."
- was pointed ou. today that the
statement made by Baron B,rken-
mead. the Lord Chancellor. during tho
course OF the debate on the home
rule bill in the :louse OF Lords now
seems to have new significance.
Baron Birkenheal declared that Il
proposals were advanced by repre-
sentative opinion in ireland the gov
eminent was prepared to make ex-
tensive alterations in its homo-rule
bill
Speaking here last night, William
Adamson. opposition leader in he
House of Commons. expressed fear
that the application of martial law
would seriously handicap any pos
sible negotiations. Andrew Bonar
Law, the government leader, In an
address Mt Edinburgh. Scotland, said
there was hope of u settlement IN
ireland.