On Monday Mr. Asquith motored to Belfast, where he had
luncheon with the Lord Mayor and met several prominent citizens. It is said that ho discussed with them the possibility of disarming the Volunteers. In the evening he returned to Dublin. On Thursday he visited Cork before returning to London. A Pro- clamation was issued on Tuesday that the Government accepted responsibility for damage done during the rebellion. Mr. Asquith's visit has been accompanied so far by various rumours to the effect that he is attempting a large settlement of the whole Irish question. No doubt the words he used in the House of Commons when announcing his visit were likely to provoke such rumours, but there seems to be no other foundation for them. His decision to study on the spot the Irish problem arising out of the rebellion was bold, wise, and in every way commendable. It was just such a decision as his critics pretend he has not the resolution or the energy to take. But we are glad that the visit has not lasted longer. To try to solve the whole Irish tangle now would be simply to divert brain-power and effort from the war and play the German game. To suppose that what has been insoluble for years can be solved in a few days or weeks now is a pure delusion. We have written on the whole subject elsewhere.
