19 MAY 1917, Page 2

As to the proposed alternative of a Convention, we can

only say that though we have not much hope of any result from it, no sensible English Unionist would raise any objection to the proposal. On the contrary, if it offered any promise of a solution, he would welcome it. So much for argument. If we are forced to prophesy, we should say that what is going to happen is that the Nationalists will refuse the Government scheme, but will endeavour to do so in such a way that the responsibility for doing nothing will seem to rest with the Government rather than with the Irish Parliamentary Party.