There is little to be said this week in regard
to the Ulster crisis. If we are to judge by appearances and by experience, Mr. Asquith is indulging in his favourite device of " waiting and seeing." His plan seems to be to let things cool dawn for the present., in the hope that something in the nature of a compromise or some practical suggestion for a way out will turn up. Such a plan may succeed, but, on the other hand, there is always the danger of some untoward event occurring in Ulster. Even there the splendid discipline maintained by Sir Edward Carson and his followers will in all probability be sufficient to prevent disaster, but it is strange to see the Prime Minister gambling, as it were, on his opponent's moderation. One probable result of the policy of delay may be pointed out. During the period of unstable calm the country will, we venture to predict, come to recognize that it is the Govern- ment who must be held responsible for the maintenance of order, that it is they who must find a way of preserving the King's peace, and that this essential duty cannot be foisted upon the Opposition.
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