The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-09-25
IRISH THREATEN REBELLION.
NORTH OF IRLEAND WILL RE
SiST HOME RULE.
Clstcr and Other Protestant Countries
Opposed to Independent Govern
ment in Ireland and are Organizing
for Civil War if Home Rule Plan
IS Carried Out.


London, Sept. 22.-Saturday, Sep
tember 2S, Unionists Of the northern
counties Of Ireland propose to regis
ter their formal defiance of home
rule. Gathering in halls and market
places, even in churches, the men
of Ulster will sign a covenant pledg-
ing themselves never to submit to
any government from Dublin which
may be imposed upon the country
from the Asquith regime.
Ulster day is the designation
chosen for this remarkable political
sacrament. According to its pro-
moters, it will prove a show Of deter
mination so solemn and impressive
that the British cabinet will hesitate
long before attempting to enforce it's
scheme for partial separation of Ire
land from the United Kingdom. But
viewed through spectacles Of another
political color the affair is not to be
taken seriously.
Home rule in its form Of local self
government instead of complete sep
aration for island has aroused no
deeper political feelings in England
than other QueStonS-the tariff, the
lords and Lloyd Georges taxation
measures. Indeed most Englishmen
appear willing that Ireland should
have about all the power involved in
Mr. Redmonds programme if only
the constant strife and racial bitter
ness can be ended. But the STUN
bling block his developed in the
Unionists OF Ulster. Before they will
submit to separation they will have
civil war, their leaders threaten.
Home rulers, however, treat these
threats with ridicule.
Members OF parliament like Sir
Edward Carson. an Irshman, and
F. Z. Smith, one Of the most con-
spicuous of the younger Conserva-
tives who Is not an Irishman, have
made speeches in parliament and
outside. announcing freely that Ulster
will never recognize a home rule gov
resist it.
The home rule bill has not become
law. and the question arises whether
people may be dealt with for prepar-
ing to resist proposals which have
not yet attained the final state OF
law and many never attain it.
Sir Edward Carson and +. l.. Smith
are to be the first to write their
names to the covenant in Belfast city
hall where the largest assembly is
expected. Ulster enthusiasts say
from half a million to million will
sign the declaration.
The Belfast corporation has recon-
mended all employers to give Satur-
day to their men as a>"day Of rest"
The governing body Of the Presbyte-
ran cnu'cn mas issued manifesto
declaring that the home rule bill
threatens religious freedom and set
ting apart the day as one for worship
and prayer. The covenant" is to be
signed on the steps of the Belfast ca
thedral and religious services will be
held there as we'll as in many Pres
byterian, Methodist and Church Of
Ireland places Of worship in Ulster
Unionist men have formulated
draft OF declaration for members of
their sex to sign and are preparing to
demonstrate with the men.
The signing of the covenant may
prove the prelude to a great rebellion
or 1t may be a flash in the pan.
Two years at best must elapse be-
fore home rule can begin to be estab-
lished, because the house Of lords can
hold up the bill for that time. The
present drift of political feeling in
dicates tnat the Liberal party may go
out of office within that period.