Radical papers have hastily assumed that they have been aimed
solely at the Ulster Unionists. They conveniently over- look the rapid growth in the last couple of months of various Volunteer movements among Irish Nationalists. We learn from the vigilant Dublin correspondent of the Times that while the official Nationalist press welcomes the Proclama- tions in lukewarm fashion, there is a resentful suspicion
among Gaelic Leaguers and in other centres of independent Nationalist opinion that they are directed quite as much against them as against the Ulster Unionists. "The former are much more hardly bit by them, because they are still unarmed." We are not surprised, however, at the Government's action. What could be more natural than to pray to be defended from such friends, especially when armed P The first thing a general engaged in coercing Ulster would wish to be relieved from would be the aid of Ancient Hibernians armed with foreign rifles of uncertain make and doubtful range. Such allies would take the heart out of the bravest troops.
