Norwich bulletin., 1912-01-29
oRANGEMEN ARMING
TO OPPOSE HOME RULE.
Ulster Now ths Storm Center on the
Pending Issue.


London, Saturday, Jan. 20.-Ulster
is now the political storm center in the
United Kingdom. Home rule has been
discussed in England and Scotland by
nationalists and unionists, but no great
enthusiasm has been aroused either for
or against In Ireland, outside of III
ster, the people are firmly convinced
that they are to have home rule.
Ulsterites, however, are to their eyes
in fight,
Several big demonstrations have been
held in various parts Of Ulster to pro-
test any change in the form Of gov
ernment Of the country. One of the
demonstrations in Belfast was Of the
industrial workers; another in Omaugh
was largely made up of farmers, small
holders and farm laborers who showed
just as strong opposition to home rule
as did their city brothers. In the latter
place again the Ulsterites pledged
themselves to form a provisional gov
eminent if the bill is passed
Every voter IN Ulster, however, is not
a unionist There is. in fact, a fairly
large sprinkling of nationalists. In
many cases the unionist members were
only returned in the last elections by
narrow maiorities. The Marquis OF
Hamilton, for instance. won by only
100 votes in Londonderry. One division
Of Belfast itself is represented by John
Devlin, one Of the nationalist leaders.
Into this district, the battle-ground
of home rule for the present at least,
the government and nationalists are to
carry their banner. The date selected
for the first meeting is Feb s, and
unionists and nationalists of Belfast
are predicting a lively night, no mat
ter where the meeting is held. Elab-
crate police precaution will be taken
for the protection of Mr.. Churchill
Should he be joined by Mr.. Redmond
in the drive from the residence of Lord
Pirrie, where he is to be a guest to
the place of meeting, with Mr.. Red
monds usual escort of nationalists,
there is almost certain to be rioting.
Except for a visit Of Lloyd George,
chancellor Of the exchequer in 1906,
and another by Mr.. Birrell, chief sec
retary for Ireland in 1907, no liberal
statesman has spoken in Belfast for
eighteen years, and when Mr.. Churchill
and Mr.. Redmond sit down it will be
the first time liberal cabinet minister
and the nationalist leader have spoken
from the same platform in the city.
Unionists are organizing a counter
demonstration, but the first lord Of the
/
his father with equal vehemence de-
nounced will be the center Of attTac-
tion. It will be an interesting moment
in the interesting life of Mr.. Churchill
The announced determination to fght
rather than accept home rule is taking
/ the form of organization in Ulster
| One reads in the unionist papers Of
| the appointment Of drillmasters to in.
| struct the members of the 4 800 Orang,
| lodges in the use OF arms, and William
! Moore, member Of parliament, ha.
taken the lead in offering the use o.
land for drilling purposes and an.
nouncing that, as a justice Of the
| peace, he would give trustworthy per
sons the necessary permission to drill
! The Irish unionists have taken thu
! old city hall, Belfast. for their head
| quarters and they say this will be thu
home Of the provincial government
| should home rule become an accom-.
| plished fact.