11 JULY 1914, Page 12

THE PROTESTANTS OF THE SOUTH AND WEST. [To TIER EDITOR

or Tee "SPNCTLTOB:1 Sre,—In last week's Spectator "An Old Cromwellian" speaks of Ulster as "excluding herself from the blessings of Home Rule "—blessings of such an obvious character that it is only bigotry, or the desire of Protestant ascendancy, which could induce her to pursue this course. I expected that he would go on to congratulate the Protestants of the South and West of Ireland on adopting a wiser course (or having it adopted for them) and enjoying the blessings which the Ulstermen so inconsiderately rejected. But he only says that, whether the Irish Parliament treats them well or ill, they will be helpless. True; but is it not enough for them to be helpless (although if they are treated well this seems 'rather a sentimental grievance) without requiring the Ulstermen to become helpless also? Suppose Ulster to be fully represented in the Irish Parliament, and a vote of that assembly taken on such a case as that of Mrs. McCann or Mr. Kingston. Would the Protestant Party in the House, however strong their case might be, have a chance of obtaining one-third of the votes P And a bare majority, if permanent, is as good for all practical purposes as a majority of four to one.—I am, Sir, &c., X.