Unhappily, the motion could not come under consideration for a period of ten days.  In the following week Lord Midleton thought it necessary to attend the House of Lords.  It was settled that we should spend the interval discussing the land purchase report, for which his presence was not essential.  Redmond, whose health was still bad, did not come up to Dublin.  All this gave time for agitation, and agitation was at work.

Still, during that week there was no sign of any change in tone.  Members of the local bodies who had gone to their homes at the week’s end came back just as much inclined to settle as before.

I met Redmond on the night of Monday, January 14th.  He had seen no one in these ten days.  He told me that he was still uncertain what would happen, but asked me to get one of the leading County Councillors to second his motion.  Next morning I came in half an hour before the meeting to find the man I wanted.  When I met him he was full of excitement, and said, “Something has gone wrong; the men are all saying they must vote against Redmond.”  Then it was evident that propaganda had been busy to some purpose.

When Redmond came in to his place, I said, “It’s all right.  Martin McDonogh will second your motion.”  He answered with a characteristic brusqueness, “He needn’t trouble.  I’m not going to move it; Devlin and the Bishops are voting against me.”

He rose immediately the Chairman was in his place.

“The amendment which I have on the paper,” he said, “embodies the deliberate advice I give to the Convention.

“I consulted no one—­and could not do so, being ill.  It stands on record on my sole responsibility.

“Since entering the building I have heard that some very important Nationalist representatives are against this course—­the Catholic bishops, Mr. Devlin—­and others.  I must face the situation—­at which I am surprised; and I regret it.

“If I proceeded I should probably carry my point on a division, but the Nationalists would be divided.  Such a division could not carry out the objects I have in view.

“Therefore, I must avoid pressing my motion.  But I leave it standing on the paper.  The others will give their advice.  I feel that I can be of no further service to the Convention and will therefore not move."[13]

There was a pause of consternation.  The Chairman intervened and the debate proceeded, and was carried on through the week.  During its course a letter to the Chairman from the Bishop of Ross was circulated to us, most dexterous in exposition, most affecting in the tone of its conclusion.  It can be read in the Report of the Convention and it cannot with justice be quoted except at full length—­so admirable is the linking of argument.  It need only be said here that it was an appeal “to my fellow-Nationalists who have already made great concessions” to yield, for the sake of a settlement, this further point, and that the appeal was signed “from my sick-bed, not far removed from my death-bed.”  That eloquent voice and subtle brain could ill be spared from our assembly:  but the letter came too late.  It is plain that the writer had no inkling of what would happen till it was actually taking place.