Ulster in Arms.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 18, 30 October 1912, Page 18

Ulster in Arms.

THE ANTI-HOME RULE CAMPAIGN.

Sir Edward Carson. M.P.. leader of the Irish Unionist Party. on September 18, opened at Enniskillen his Anti-Home Rule campaign in l ister. As a spectacular display the opening proceedings were undoubtedly successful, declares the “Daily News and Leader.” In brilliant sunshine, with bands playing, and flags flying, the members of the various Unionist and Orange Lodges, all in their regalia, marched from north, south, east, and we-t to converge at the Enniskillen rendezvous in readiness to give a warm welcome to Sir Edward Carson. Trains brought in big contingents, until finally a \ast a-se.nblage of some 30,000 formed up to listen to the address. Meanwhile Sir Edward Carson. wno the guest of the Earl and Countess of Erne at Crom Castle, had set out to join his followers. About a mile outside of Enniskillen he was met by two squadrons of yeomen, all wearing a uniform pattern of dress, ami in most instances very creditably mounted. A procession was formed somewhat in the following order: A squadron of Enniskillen dragoon reservists with dummy lances; next a couple of outriders; then an advance guard of Yeoman, immediately followed by an open carriage containing Sir Edward Carson. Lord Erne. Lord Hugh Cecil, and Captain Craig. ALP. After the carriage came a standard bearer carrying the Union Jack, another •squadron of Yeomen bringing up the rear. Then followed the members of Unionist Clubs and Orange Lodge-.. It was a highly spectacular procession, not the least noteworthy feature being the appearance in it of about a thousand drilled num who have been undergoing military training with a view, so it is said. to forcible resistance to Home Rule. \\ bile the procession was winding through the town there was a remarkable incident at the Crain Market, the appointed place of meeting. “Shoulder arms! Present arms!” rang out above the noise of the gathering

crowd. These orders were being given to the members of the Ballymacash Unionist Club, who were armed with rilles. It was explained to inquirers, however, that they were only (lummy weapons—“at present’’—but that they had been found very useful for drilling the men in preparation for eventualities. In due time the procession arrived, and amongst tihe first to salute Sir Edward Carson was the Ballymacash

Club. The members of the Lambeg Unionist Chib looked even more military than those of Ballymacash, for Lambeg went the length of wearing khaki uniforms. After a “march past,” Sir Edward proceeded to the platform. The huge gathering passed a resolution “That we reallirm the resolve of th? great Ulster Convention of 1892 that we will not have Home Rule,” amidst most tumultuous enthusiasm. In supporting the resolution. Sir Edward Carson said that they met with the determination that, with God’s help, they would keep what they’ had got and defeat the most nefarious and unprovoked conspiracy against civil and religious liberty’ which had ever confronted a free, blameless, and God-fearing people.

In contract to this gathering, the London papers describe the desperate encounters which occurred between the rival factions at Belfast. The worst of these wild scenes were witnessed at the Celtic Park football ground, Belfast, when the Linfield (Protestant) and Celtic (Roman Catholic) Clubs met in the Irish League contest. For over an hour about 6,000 people were engaged in a desperate riot, firearms being freely’ used. As a result six persons were shot and 70 so seriously injured that they had to be treated in the hospitals. Fierce conflicts also occurred between the police and Orange rowdies, who wrecked and looted the houses of Catholics in the Protestant quarter of the city.