THE FIRST STEP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3581, 22 July 1912, Page 5

THE FIRST STEP.

TOWARDS IMPERIAL REORGANISATION.

PREMIER AND HOME RULE. TUMULTUOUS ENTHUSIASM AT DUBLIN. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT] (Received ulv 21, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. Mr Redmond (Leader of the Nationalists) presided lat an overcrowded mooting at a theatre at Dublin. It was a- scene of tumultuous enthusiasm. Mr Asquith (British Premier) was cheered for five minutes'He -said he was the bearer of messages of peace and reconciliation between Ireland and Britain. The Nationalists had with them, besides a majority of the people of Britain, the heartfelt sympathy of a vast mass oi their fellow subjects—without distinction of party —in all the self-govern-ing Dominions and with unity, discipline and patience the end was within sight. The Home Rule Bill would he sent to the Lords before Christmas and whatever its immediate fortunes the Lords had no longer the power do override the judgment of the people. Irish nationality was quire consistent with Imperial unity and loyalty to the United Kingdom. ■ Ulster’s attitude was unreasonable and he did not believe that there was any prospect of civil war. Minorities had tlieir rights and their susceptibilities ought to be considered, but the judgment of the British people would never tolerate a minority frustrating a great international settlement wherein the Government had tbe sympathy of all the Dominions. Home Rule was the first step to Imperial reorganisation, whereof it was nearly the solution.