5 APRIL 1913, Page 3

Rumours were current last week that the Government had yielded

to Nationalist pressure and had determined to revoke its decision to sanction the grant to the Irish Agricultural Organization Society. These rumours, circulated in the Radical press, were finally dispelled by Mr. Asquith, who announced on Tuesday that the grant from the Development Fund would be given subject to the admission of a number of new representatives on the executive of the society and a pledge to abstain from all political work. This announcement, for which the Government are to be cordially applauded, is a triumph for Sir Horace Plunkett, and will be welcomed by all wellwishers of Irish industrial prosperity. The Nationalists do not disguise their disappointment, and .ctie feelings of Mr. T. W. Russell can be better imagined than described.