Then came the Rebellion of Easter
Week. 1916, and Mr. Asquith's second
visit to Ire-t:;nd. He returned to Par
liament and announced that Dublin
Castle rule in Ireland had completely
broken down, and that the only thing
to do was to put the Home Rule Act
in operation. But, instead of the
Home Rule Act being put into opera
tion, Dublin QAstle was re-established
in worse form, with lirger powers,
and all forms of liberty a.nI citizen
rights disappeared under the new re
gime of repression and martial law.
All the promises , made to Ireland
were, broken, and once again Ireland
was shamefully betrayed.
In 1917 it became necessary to en
list America's support for the Allies.
The Irish question was causing irrita
tion in America. Mr. Lloyd George
proposed a Convention of Irishmen to
draft an Irish Constitution. He called !
for "substantial agreement." He
would not accept a majority decision.
Responsible and patriotic men tried
every mean3 possible to effect a set-
I r'.. :uf-nt. Hut they got no help from
I the Ooverrment. LacJc of statesman
ship, the pressure of political inter
i ests, and tactical consideration at
I Downing-street made settlement im
possible, and again Irish hopes were
I c'a.-'.r-'l t - the ground.
! The situation wanted courage and
i :s;- ".. h.;'h these were wanting
jin tile British Cabinet.
