“I have held the view from the beginning that it would not have been wise policy for a Government engaged in the great work of the political emancipation of a nation to embark on a career of coercion.  I knew, and knew well, all the difficulties and all the reproaches that the Government would have to face if they abstained from coercion.  It is a difficult and almost unprecedented course for a Government to take, and it is, as the Chief Secretary said, a courageous one.  But with all its difficulties and dangers it is the right course.  We who have been through the mill know what the effect of coercion is.  We know that you do not put down Irishmen by coercion.  You simply embitter them and stiffen their backs.”

It is therefore unquestionable that the decision to do nothing had Redmond’s approval.  Whatever may be thought of that policy, one factor was assuredly underestimated—­the effect produced on the public mind by the spectacle of highly placed personages defying the law and defying it with impunity.  It was possible to argue that a conviction for hypothetical treason would be difficult to secure and that failure in a prosecution would only encourage lawless conduct.  But Privy Councillors who made preparations for prospective rebellion and remained Privy Councillors were a new phenomenon.  The public thought, and it was apparent that the public would think, that Government was afraid to quarrel with what is called Society.  Society shared that belief and began to extend its influence in a new direction.  No Government can permit itself to be defied without general relaxation of discipline, and the effects extended themselves to the Army.  At a meeting on July 12th in Ulster a telegram was read out from “Covenanters” in an Ulster regiment, urging “No surrender until ammunition is spent and the last drop of blood.”  In his speech on that occasion Sir Edward Carson declared that every day brought him at least half a dozen letters from British officers asking to be enrolled among the future defenders of Ulster.  One officer, he said, having signed the Covenant, was ordered to send in his papers and resign his commission.  The officer refused to do so, and after a short time was simply told to resume his duty.

“We have assurance from the Prime Minister,” said Sir Edward Carson, “that the forces of the Crown are not to be used against Ulster.  Government know that they could not rely on the Army to shoot down the people of Ulster.”

Later events in Ireland furnished a grim commentary as to what the Army would be willing, and would not be willing, to do in the way of shooting down in Ireland; and such words as these of Sir Edward Carson were destined to be among the chief difficulties which Redmond had to encounter when he sought to lead Ireland into the war.

At the meeting of that day, delegates were present from a British League to assist Ulster in her resistance.  Behind this new quasi-military organization stood now the whole of one great party.  Sir Edward Carson transmitted a message from Mr. Bonar Law in these words: