The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-05

|" who q fortnight ago put HIM
/ i self on record as predicting the
events which have since taken
place in Ulster and the British House
Of Commons. In fact nobody in Eng
land. however closely he might be con-
nected with the Government or Ulster.
could have foresecn the dramatic turn
which events have taken in 80 short a
time. When q crisis has been expected
for some weeks or months, as in the
present instance. it generally on its ar
rival falls very fiat-probably because
of its anticipation--or else takes an
altogether different line from that ex-
pected. To the latter category must
the present Irish drama be assigned
Whether or not tho Government
energies Triumphant from the struggle
there Is no doubt that the order for
the removal Of troops into Ulster would
never have been given had Mr.. Asauith
and his colleagues for moment thought
that such course would have brought
about 80 much trouble and anxiety to
themselves, to say nothing Of tho count
less others-many Of them highly placed
also Involved. 1t was an unfortunate
order and in the eyes Of Ulster ex-
tremely provocative. To those who are
acquainted with the religious animos-
tiles which manifest themselves In Ire
land the Quietude which has lately been
In existence there (until fortnight ago)
Is really marvellous. This peace has
now been gravely dlspelled by the Gov
ernment's action.
When the present homo rule bill was
introduced by Mr.. Asquith two years
ago the opposition OF the Protestants in
Ulster was not long in forthcoming.
say 'Protestants" advisedly, because. al
though there are a few notable excep-
lions, nearly all the anti-home rulers
are Protestants and nearly all the home
rulers Catholics. Everybody with any
real knowledge Of the question will ad-
nit that religious prejudces are at
the root OF all the troubles and diff
culties. II only these could be abolished
there would be no problem left to solve.
Ulster Protestants knew that as re-
suit OF the passing OF the Parliament
act the House Of Lords could no longer
save them. and, in consequence. they
were compelled to search for other
means with which to defend their
rights and privileges. The result has
been seen not only in their const!tu-
tional opposition to the bill but also
in their expressed determination to re-
sist by force the provisions Of the meas
ure should they be applied to their
province. Under the able leadership OF
Sir Edward Carson volunteers have
been enlisted in the Ulster army" and
a constitution Of their own drawn up
on which they insist they will act
should 1t become necessary.
While Sir Edward was preaching
policy OF active resistance numerous
Liberals were crying out for his ar
rest and trial on a charge OF treason.
But this did not for a moment alter
his determination. He knew that II
the Government was foolish enough TO
lay hands on him 1t would be the best
thing that could possibly befall his
cause. His imprisonment would have
increased. IL it were possible. the en-
thusiasm Of his own supporters, and.
in addition, rallied around him such an
overwhelming army OF sympathizers
that his battle would thereby have been
almost won.
Some time ago I was commissioned
by a London newspaper to visit Ulster
and there interview the leaders on both
sides; also to inquire exactly what was
going on and to indicate what i
thought the outcome OF the movement
would be. I was not long in discov-
ering that nearly all the statements Is
sued by both sides were grossly ex-
aggerated.
The Professionals freely asserted that
their army would total hundreds OF
thousands OF men and that they were
prepared to die for their cause, II
thereby any gain would result I do
not for a moment wish TO discount the
bravery OF these men, as honestly be-
lieve that q very large number OF them
would fight to the bitter end. but must
add that at least their leaders did not
think they would ever be called upon
10 make such a sacrifice.
On the other hand, the Nationalist
have been anxious to give the impress
sion that the whole of the organization