Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-09-28
Ulstermen Sign Home Rule
Protest, but Clash is
Avoided.
NAMES TO A COVENANT
Declare There Is a Conspiracy
to DiSintegrate the British
Empire.

Belfast, Sept. 2S.-Sir Edward Car
son today wrote his name as the first
10 sign a solemn covenant of Ulster
men which binds them ito use all
means necessary TO defeat the present
conspiracy TO set up home rule in
Ireland and also 10 refuse TO recog-
nize the authority OF an Irish parlia-
ment. lie was followed by many men
who have become noted leaders in
the campaign against home rule.
These were succeeded by thousands
OF the rank and file OF Orangemen
unionists.
DAY OPENS CALMLY.
Ulster day, the Orangemen's cul-
minating day of protest against home
rule, opened with an absolute calm
ness that rendered unionists and
home rulers alike apprehensive as to
what might happen The people of
ireland, even those responsible for to-
days signature of a formidable
league and covenant" had looked
forward to the days happenings with
misgivings. The weather was doubt
fui early but before the Ulstermen
had begun to gather for the religious
services, which preceded the signing
OF the covenant, sunshine flooded the
streets.
TOWN GATLY DECORATED.
The town was gaily decorated. with
the union Jack everywhere predomi-
nant and a huge national flag envel-
oping the facade Of Ulster hall, the
- TIE SHOPS and all the big Industrial
works closed. 50 every man desiring
a'ght he able TO participate in the
manifestation. The spirit of unity
prevailing among Protestant demon.
nations was illustrated by the selec-
ton Of the officiating clergyman. Rev.
Mclean. former Presbyterian moder-
ator. preached the sermon. lie was as
sisted IN the services by ministers of
the Anglican. Methodist, Baptist and
Congregational churches. Sir Ed
ward Carson sat at the right OF Nc
Lean. with the lord mayor Of Belfast
az his left
SEMI-MIIITNRN ASPECT.
The semi.military aspect was not
lacking. as 200 picked stalwart members
of unionists' clubs and Orange lodges.
wearing bright sashes, acted as a
guard OF honor around the pulpit.
while 500 Of what are known as the
reserve guard" occupied seats in the
gallery The great congregation was
unable TO restrain itself as notable
personages came into the hall. Among
the first was Lord Charles Beresford.
who was greeted with loud cheers.
The services 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 dan
SER
CHARGES THRUST AT EMPIRE.
McLean's sermon aroused the con-
gregation into another burst of cheer
ing. which was suppressed from the
pulpit. Mclean declared the Irish
question was an attempt to establish
a Roman Catholic ascendancy in Ire
land aud TO begin the disintegration
% the British empire by securing a
second parliament at Dublin. Ulster
nen we're ready. he said, to accept al
most any program of social or po-
litical reform. but they would not have
home rule The service concluded
with the singing of the national an
them.
SERVICES HELD ELSEWHERE.
Similar services we're held in all
churches and chapels in Belfast and
the villages and counties OF Ulster.
The scene around Ulster hall when
Carson proceeded to sign the cove
nant was q remarkable one. The ap-
proach TO the hall was lined by a
bodyguard Of men wearing sashes and
Grmlets and carrying wooden slaves.
other men were posted about the
grounds and han as much as though
they expected an attack from the ma
tionalists, who. however. stood by as
much pleased with the semi-military
display as Ulstermen themselves.
Many women signed a declaration as
sosiating themselves with the men OF
Ulster in "uncompromising opposition
10 the home rue bill"
LONDON SUPPORTERS SIGN.
London. sept 2S-The league and
covenant against horne rule, as well
as the WOuen's declaration. was sign
cd extensively today in London and
other cities in the United Kingdom.
Burnett Elected London Mayor.
London. sept 2S-Sir David Bur
rett today vas elected lord mayor OF
london for the term beginning