THE HOME RULE CRISIS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 31, 30 September 1912, Page 3

THE HOME RULE CRISIS.

ENTHUSIASM AT I'LSIFU

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United I*ress Association.) London, September 27. On the eve of Ulster Day, Sir E. Carson issued a message, stating that there was a great outburst of enthusiasm in Ulster. The sympathy expressed from every part of the United Kingdom and the Empire had deeply affected his colleagues and himself and given them renewed strength. They were, he realised, fighting for freedom and for the inspiring ideals of unity of the Empire. " ' BATTLE OF THE BOYNE. London, September 28. A meeting in Ulster Hall presented Sir E. Carson with the original flag carried before King William in the Battle of the Boyne. There was an extraordinary demonstration. Letters were read from Mr Bonar Law, Lord Lansdowne, Mr Austin Chamberlain and others. Sir E. Carson accepted the flag as a token of victory for civil and religious,liberty,, and returned it to. Colonel Wallace to keep as a sacred trust until the conspiracy was killed.

"LEAVE US OR WE WTLL SHOOT ; ■ YOU DOWN-'' , , ," "'

London, September 28

Mr Bonar Law wrote that he was convinced that Ulster's self-restraint would be difficult if the position became desperate; but it , was not so, as victory was'certain. Ulster could rely on the' Unionist Party's support. Mr Balfour wrote: "Let me not be told that a British Government can be found sufficiently wicked, ;or a House of Commons sufficiently subservient, to say to Ulster:' 'Leave us, or we will shoot you down.' " An overflow meeting, attended by twenty-five thousand people, was similarly enthusiastic. Mr ißonar Law's visit to the King at Balmoral, is variously ascribed to M. Sazanpff's visit or the Ulster situation.

ULSTER DAY

THE SIGNING OF THE COVENANT

London,; September 29

Ulster Day l was,favoured with bright sunshine. Thousands of-, religious services were ;held throughput Ireland. Belfast had a Sunday-like-appearance, except that .the streets,.wore decorated with a. wealth of Union, .jacks and Orange emblems. |>. . .'; j. .'. The greatest service was:in the XJlfeter Hall. It W|c}& attended by Sir E. Carson, behind whom was <a standard-: bearer with the Boyne flag. . The Lord Mayor and corporation, thei Peers and Commoners', arid Sir Charles Beres-i ford, on entering, were cheered, whereupon the organisers, emphasising the solemnity of the occasion, declared that all .■worshippers should, be received in silence. .' ,■ „,;, ~, ,'. < •;... . '•• ' Dr. William McKea'n, a'Presbyterian Minister, , preached' the sermon, and Anglican,/Methodist. f and. Congregational clergymen participated in the service.

Dr. McKean remarked that Ireland wanted rest j from r political agitation. Ulster men would support political and social reform®, but, would not have Home Rule. This was greeted with applause, which was quickly suppressed. ,

Sir E. Carson" was escorted to the City Hall amid enthusiastic scenes, and signed the Covenant with a silver pen. ;

Lord Londonderry next signed it, and then the heads of the Protestant churches and other notabilities. The corporation were present in scarlet robes.

Sir E. Carson and other prominent visitors afterwards took part in a procession through thronged and cheering streets.

The Ulster Reform Club entertained them at luncheon. The Primate of Ireland sent a message to Sir E .Carson: "May God give you strength and wisdom to guide Ireland's faithful sons in trying to save their- beloved land from degradation, disaster, religious ''strife;' and civil war. The Unionist Club and Orange ledges held a procession in th ©' - afternpon . Signing the Covenant continued until night. . iH " r '""- V An exciting incident followed a football 'match. Several green flags were waved in Grosvenor street. This was ,a.signal for revolver shots and free fights, but not serious. The police dispersed the mob. The Covenant was signed in all the large cities of the United Kingdom. ;

The Ulstermen in Edinburgh signed on a gravestone in Greyfriars Churchyard whereon the Covenant of 1638 was signed. A SERIOUS POSITION. London, September 2S. Sir J. Simon, speaking at Leeds, said that the Liberals must not speak slightingly of the ignorance and obstinacy which appeared to inspire the Ulster campaign. The demonstrations must be given due weight. The Government must be prepared to apply every safeguard that reason and caution could suggest, but must refuse to be blackmailed. CIVIL WAR "MEREST BOSH." New York, September 28.

Mr William Redmond, interviewed, said that it was absurd to think that the Ulster trouble would affect the passage of the Home Rule Bill. The talk of civil war was the meresVbosh.

THE CAMPAIGN. (Received 8.55 a.m.) London, September 29. Upwards of two thousand Ulstermen in Dublin have signed the covennant. Sir Edward Carson is continuing the campaign in England and Scotland.