ULSTER AND THE WAR.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE SPELVATOR..]
SIR,—In a recent number of the Spectator I see that you appeal to the officers of the Ulster Division to make a similar appeal to that made by a few officers of some of the Irish Divisions to the King. I cannot feel that any such appeal is necessary. Surely the whole world knows the story how Ulster put aside her own problems to go out to fight side by side with all of those who believed in the great cause for which Great Britain entered the war. On the eve of the departure of the Ulster Division for the front the following letter was sent to them by the women of Ulster " To Ours MEN.
On the eve of departure we have only one word to say, ' Good- Bye.' We say it in its fullest, noblest meaning.' God be with. you.' We do not need to tell you that you.wili be constantly in our thoughts, and in our prayers; may they be a shield of defence in boura of danger, stress, and anxiety. You are fight- ing in a good cause and for principles for which. Ulster has always stood. We know the sacrifices you are making to keep our homes in safety: we thank you one and all. You have done more than this—you have made time dreams that are in the hearts of all of as come true.
'In you the heroic Past bath lived again, Through you the days to come shall fairer be.'
Good-Bye.
October, 1915. Belfast."
This farewell speaks for itself. If any should make a protest against Home Rule now, should it not be those who are left to remember the spirit that inspired the noble dead—should it not be the mothers, the wives of the fallen I "Do you hear as then, 0 sons in your high places? Do we answer with the words that you would say? Though the tears are dry that fell for you at parting, The fires within our hearts will burn alway."
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