14 FEBRUARY 1914, Page 2

In Thursday's debate the principal speakers were Lord Roberta, Lord

Londonderry, and Lord MacDonnell. Lord Roberts's statement that it was unthinkable that the. British Army should be called upon to fight against the Ulster Volunteers, and his recalling of Lord Wolseley's words in 1893 that such action would ahake the British Army to its foundations, sent a thrill through the House unusual in a Lords' debate. After Lord Sydenham, speaking from the cross-benches, bad put forward three alternative suggestions, one of which was the revival of the National Councils Bill which was dropped by the Government in 1907, Lord Curzon made an eloquent appeal to the Government either to dissolve or to produce their proposals without delay. As long as their plans included the incorporation of Ulster, they would be vain and futile. Lord Crowe wound up the debate for the Govern- ment. Lord Midleton's amendment was carried by a majority of 188 (243-55).