NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ON Wednesday in Belfast the period of military and political preparation yielded what is by far its most notable result so far in the announcement of the nature of the Provisional Government. The delegates to the Ulster Unionist Council approved the scheme. The pretence that Ulster has been "bluffing" is no longer supported by any sensible Home Rulers. It was decided to make the Standing Committee of the Council the Central Authority. A Military Council, a Volunteer Com- mittee, a Finance and Business Committee, an Education Committee, a Legal Committee, a Publication Committee, and a Customs, Excise, and Post Office Committee were appointed. .4.n Indemnity Guarantee Fund, which is to be of at least £1,000,000, was started. One of the purposes of the fund is to indemnify members_ of the Ulster Volunteer Force for personal injury or to provide for their families in case of death. On Thursday evening the fund already amounted to £300,000—an amazing testimony to the determination of the Protestant community. The following are among the seventy- six members of the Central Authority: Sir Edward Carson (Chairman), the Duke of Abercorn, Lord Londonderry, Lord Charles Beresford, Lord Annesley, Lord Castlereagh, Lord Clanwilliam, Lord Claud Hamilton, Lord Leitrim, Lord Templetown, and the Ulster Unionist members of Parliament.
