The Sun SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 1920. ULSTER HOLDS OUT ONE HAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2028, 14 August 1920, Page 24 (Supplement)

The Sun SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 1920. ULSTER HOLDS OUT ONE HAND.

It is reported that a large proportion of Ulsternicn is prepared to compromise with Sinn Fein. There is to be a breakaway from Sir Edward Carson's "last diteh" orders and a deputation is to wait on Mr Lloyd George advocating an immediate offer of Dominion Home Rule to Ireland. If the report is true—as it may well be—it means another step towards a settlement of the Irish question. At the same time it would be easy to attach too much importance to the move or to expect too much from it when it is made. It has to be remembered that de Valera has expressed himself in contemptuous terms with regard to Dominion Home Rule. Then again, the condition accompanying'the Ulstermcn's pledge to work for a united Ireland is likely to stick in the throat of Sinn Fein. That condition is that Ireland remains in the Empire. The difference between the Dominion form of government and a Republic is that the former connotes attachment to the Empire and Republicanism a complete severance. So far, Ulster has been as determined to remain under the wing of West-j minster as Sinn Fein has been to break the bonds. This condition, then, may prove the rock on which negotiations may founder. That is taking the worst view of possibilities. But the concession of the Ulster Covenanters, if it becomes an actuality, can fairly be regarded as an augury of hope. It is a concession which may even have a useful moral effect on the fanaticism of Sinn Fein. The Republicans know that an autonomous Ireland cannot get on without Ulster, which is the great manufacturing centre in the country, and, therefore, the source of a large body of revenue. If Ulster offers the hand of political comradeship to its hitherto bitter enemy, the enemy may be sufficiently impressed by the advance to offer concessions in his turn. It is to be hoped so, at any rate. The proposal would, we imagine, be readily accepted by Mr Lloyd George if both parties agreed. It would provide the long-desired solution of a problem which has steadily become intolerable and impossible. As we have implied, it is too early to begin -building castles on a report which may not be confirmed, or on a suggestion -which may not find favour with one of the principals in the dispute. At least, the story bears the appearance of truth; and that being so, it represents a gleam in a storm-»\vcpt sky. It is time the sun broke through.

WONDERS OF WIRELESS. Wireless science is making amazing progress. Yesterday a newly-discovered miracle, to-day wireless telegraphy has heen encouraged by the scientists to bring forth a series of miracles. One is the wireless telephone. First, as usual, in the practical application of scientific discoveries to everyday needs, the "Daily Mail"' installed a receiving set of instruments in the ollice and published a message which was telephoned by wireless direct from a spot some hundreds of miles distant. The message was heard not only by the "Mail" but by enthusiasts with amateur sets within a wide rjidius. The immediate result «( the

experiment was that several other London newspapers have followed the "Mail's" lead and installed wireless in readiness for the development which must come. How "listening in is to he prevented and newspaper "scoops" copyrighted is for the Government to determine. A new era in news transmission has been inaugurated. A journalist may speak into space and know that his words are being heard at the receiving office (and elsewhere) as clearly as though the connection were the ordinary telephone wire. Subsequent to this demonstration, the "Mail" arranged with Dame Nellie Melba to give a conceit by wireless. Again, the test was a huge success. The voice of the famous songster was heard in every detail at The Hague, in Southern Norway, and as far out to sea as a thousand miles. And as if that were not marvel enough, Ave are to have pictures by wireless. A young Dane has invented a method by which he is able to transmit pictures by the ordinary telegraph wire or wireless for any distance. Two wireless photographs, one of them that of President Wilson, were reproduced in the "Mail." They look more like drawings in black and white than anything else, and naturally the face is idealised: the character lines are wanting. But the wonder is that it can be done at all. To what other uses will science yet put this marvellous handmaid —wireless?