The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1913. THE IRISH QUESTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 25, 30 September 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1913. THE IRISH QUESTION.

/ The notable displays of military force made by the Ulstermen during tbo past few days leave no doubt in mind I now that if the Government force an Irish Parliament on Ulster in the terms it proposes, civil war must result. Sir Edward Carson’s address to tbo troops at Belfast last Saturday was made amidst imposing scenes and with no weakening of purpose on the part of the men who will not ac-

c'ept Home Rule for their country. Though in the earlier stages of the protesting and demonstration against the measure—a measure so long sought, and so ardently desired by a groat proportion of the people—it was believed that the hitter words made use of were not to he taken literally, and that the threats to take up arms were merely “bluff” on Ulster’s part, no ono to-day can he in doubt. The mobilisation of a volunteer army, the steady drilling which has Peon going on, the appointment of two military i officers of some distinction as Com-mander-in-Chief and Chief of Staff, |

the formation of a Provisional ernment, tho display made last Satuiday of fourteen battalions divided into four regiments and representing tiie various quarters of Belfast (the most notable display since the agitation began), those and like things are too great and serious to be make-be-lieve or play-acting. It lias been well said every one of those men taking an active part in this turbulent movement is exposing himself to heavy penalties under the law. To “levy ( war against tiie King in any part of tho United Kingdom in order by force or constraint to change his measures or counsels, or to put force or constraint on, or to intimidate, either or both Houses of Parliament” is treason. Under the Treason Act of 13-51 a person convicted of felony may be. hanged. Up to 1870 lie would have been liable to be drawn, beheaded, and quartered after hanging. The more humane “Treason and Felony Act” of 1848, under which any prosecutions would now probably bo instituted, gives the maximum penalty at penal servitude for life. It is evident tho situation is strained to breaking point. Personal risk is utterly disregarded by the Ulstermen who refuse to tolerate an Irish Parliament. That many of their fears are groundless is highly probable, but they are now worked up, to that stubborn pitch where coercion cannot be used without bloodshed and bitterest strife. The British Premier’s visit to the King is being anxiously awaited. It is expected he will discuss a compromise on Home Rule: he cannot run the all too-real risk of civil war. ,