12 MAY 1917, Page 2

But when a deadlock of this kind takes plane, the

only thing that can be -done-is to carry on as before. The status quo holds the field. In other words, what has happened is what we have always contended would happen when contact took place with the realities of the Irish problem. The Act of Union holds the field because it is in existence, and because, taking it-altogether, it is the form of govern- =ment which,- with all its imperfections, divides- Ireland least. And -here we must odd that it is a greatmistake to talk as if maintaining the status quo and carrying on would lead to dreadful results.