14 JULY 1917, Page 3

There seems small chance now that the Sinn Feiners will

take part in the Convention, which is to meet on July 25th, with Mr. Duke as temporary Chairman. We shall say nothing to disturb the beatific "atmosphere "—the accepted phrase of the moment— which it is hoped to create for the Convention. We only trust that the Government will remember that no manipulation of atmospheres can in any circumstances be an excuse for refusing to maintain public order should that be challenged. For the rest, we must still hope to be proved wrong in our belief that the Union is much the least unjust form of rule for Ireland.