Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1912-10-03
RESIST HOME RULE
THOUSANDS SIGN COVENANT
OF ESlSTANCE IN
IRELAND.
SIR CARSON WAS THE FIRST TO SIGN
Ulster Day Is Opened With Great
Religious Meeting Where It Was
Said Efforts M ade to Establish
Roman Catholicism.

Belfast-As the browning proof of
their determination never to submit
to the domination of an Irish parlia-
ment, thousands of Ulsterites, union
lists and Orangemen devoted Saturday,
September %, to signing the covenant
of resistance to home rule. Notwith-
standing anxiety and dread as to what
might happen, Ulster day passed
without serious disturbance.
In expectation of rioting troops had
been quartered in the city. Only one
demonstration of factional feeling de-
veloped, which threatened for a brief
space to become serious. After foot
ball match between Protestant and
Roman Catholic teams at Celtic Park,
as the crowds were returning home,
several green flags were waved. The
appearance of these emblems of ma
tionalism started several fierce fights,
but the police stopped the conflicts
before anybody was badly hurt.
Carson Signs First.
Sir Edward Carson was the first to
sign the solemn covenant of the Ul-
stermen which binds them to use all
the means that may be found neces-
sary to defeat the present conspiracy
to set up home rule in Ireland" and
also to refuse to recognize the author
ity Of an Irish parliament. He was
followed by thousands of the rank
and file of the Orangemen and union
lists in the northern province of Ire
land.
The town was gaily decorated, the
Union Jack being everywhere FREEDOM
inant, one huge national flag envel-
oping the facade of Ulster hall, the
center of the proceedings. Most of
he shops and all of the big industrial
works were closed so that every man
desiring to do so might be able to
participate in the manifestation.
The spirit of unity prevailing among
the Protestant denominations was il
Illustrated by he selecting of the Off
ciating clergymen. The Rev. W. Nc
Lean, formerly Presbyterian modera-
tor, preached the sermon and he was
assisted in the services by ministers
belonging to the Anglican, Methodist,
Baptist and congregational churches.
Sir Edward Carson sat at the right of
Mr.. Mclean, and the lord mayor of
Belfast at his left.
Guard Around Pulpit.
A semi-military aspect was not
lacking in the meeting. as 200 picked,
stalwart members Of the unionist
clubs and Orange lodges, wearing
bright sashes, acted as guard of
honor, standing around the pulpit,
while 700 of what is known as the
reserve guard occupied seats in the
gallery
The great congregation was unable
to restrain itself as notable person
ages came into the hall. Among the
first was Lord Charles Beresford, who
was greeted with a loud cheer. Cap
tain James Craig, the unionist men,
Der for Eastdown, reminded the audi
ence that the service was religious
one, and said Sir Edward Carson
wished it to be looked upon as such
III thS iSdl oSuSc VI Tie WOTU.
When Sir Edward Carson, and
Frederick E. Smith arrived, however,
the people, forgetful of the appeal
that had been made, again broke into
cheers, which continued as the two
leaders proceeded to the platform
behind the Orange flag Of the battle
of the Boyne, presented to Sir Edward
Carson in such a dramatic manner
the previous evening.
The service opened with the hymn,
20, God, Our Help in Ages Past"
after which a short prayer was Of
fered and an appeal made to the AL
mighty to stretch forth thy arms
and help us in this time Of national
danger"