OCR Text |
Show Crowds Hear I Army Report I Intense Interest In Newest Phase Of Home Rule 8ltuatlon Evinced London March 23. Misunderstand, was the kejuote of Premier AsqulthH explanation of tho crisis brought about tho resignations of iirmy officers offic-ers when tho regiments were ordered to prepare to proceed to Ulster. Speaking In the house ot commons, tho prlmo minister made It clear however thnt officers and men of tho British nrmy refusing to obey orders In connection with the opposition of Ulster to tho Introduction of homo rulo for Ireland, were liable to dismissal. dis-missal. Details of the revolt ot tho army officers against servlco In Ulster had been awaited with strained expectations expecta-tions by tho while country. Only brief statements woro forthcoming from tho secretary for war nnd tho premier, nnd tho gist of theso was that the whole affair uas duo to mis-, understanding and that all the officers had now returned to their duty. Sir Arthur Paget Blalmed As far as tho minister's statements cnln bo Interpreted the misunderstanding misunder-standing arose through General Sir Arthur Paget placing a wrong construction con-struction on tho orders given him by the wnr office and telling his subordinates sub-ordinates they were to bo employed employ-ed In quelling an uprising In Ulster The number ot officers who resigned resign-ed their commissions tho oxtont of the disaffection in the army nnd other oth-er details were not disclosed. Colonel Seely Jeered Colonel Beely was derisively Jeered Jeer-ed during his explanation. Andrew Bonar Law, leader ot tho Opposition, had stated that nothing can save the army now, except a do- claratlon thnt officers will not be compelled com-pelled to engage In Civil war against their'wish. When ho said thnt officers refus ing to servo against Ulster were only H doing their duty tho labor member LB shouted: How about strikes? H The whola nffnlr Is general ac- ' ccptcd as demonstrating that the army cannot bo counted upon to fight H Sid Edward Cnrson'B volunteers If H such a contingency should arise. Op- H position politicians docln.ro that thle H means the collnpae of tho home rale H project (in (I express their belief that tho government may soon relinquish offico by Us own choice. B |