and we all want to see, an Irish Brigade—­or, better still, an Irish Army Corps.  Don’t let them be afraid that by joining the colours they will lose their identity and become absorbed in some invertebrate mass, or what is perhaps equally repugnant, be artificially redistributed into units which have no national cohesion or character.

“We shall, to the utmost limit that military expediency will allow, see that men who have been already associated in this or that district in training and in common exercises shall be kept together and continue to recognize the corporate bond which now unites them.  One thing further.  We are in urgent need of competent officers, and when the officers now engaged in training these men prove equal to the test, there is no fear that their services will not be gladly and gratefully retained.  But, I repeat, gentlemen, the Empire needs recruits and needs them at once.  They may be fully trained and equipped in time to take their part in what may prove to be the decisive field in the greatest struggle of the history of the world.  That is our immediate necessity, and no Irishman in responding to it need be afraid he is jeopardizing the future of the Volunteers.

“I do not say, and I cannot say, under what precise form of organization it will be, but I trust and I believe—­indeed, I am sure—­that the Volunteers will become a permanent, an integral and characteristic part of the defensive forces of the Crown.

“I have only one more word to say.  Though our need is great, your opportunity is also great.  The call which I am making is backed by the sympathy of your fellow-Irishmen in all parts of the Empire and of the world....  There is no question of compulsion or bribery.  What we want, what we ask, what we believe you are ready and eager to give, is the freewill offering of a free people.”

This was a double pledge as to Redmond’s two objects.  It promised, first, that every inducement should be given to join a corps distinctively Irish and having national cohesion and character; secondly, that the Volunteers should obtain recognition as part of the defensive forces of the Crown.  Over and above this was an assurance of enormous importance.  There was to be no question of compulsion.  Nothing was asked, nothing would be asked, but “the freewill offering of a free people.”

Lord Meath followed, a representative figure of Unionist Ireland and a most zealous promoter of recruiting.  Then Redmond spoke, and as usual dwelt on Ireland’s contribution to the forces of the Regular Army so far actually engaged, which was fully adequate in numbers.  “As to quality, let Sir John French answer for that, and let my friend and fellow-countryman Admiral Beatty from Wexford speak from Heligoland.”—­Nothing gave him more pleasure at all times than to dwell on the personal achievement of Irishmen; his voice kindled when he named such names.—­He went on to give confident assurance, having in it the note of defiant answer to the revolt which had been raised: