20 DECEMBER 1913, Page 13

CARLYLE ON NATIONAL SERVICE AND ULSTER.

[To Tag EDITOR Or THE "SracriTos.."1 Slit,—As I was reading Carlyle's "Shooting Niagara" (Mae- utillan's Magazine, 1867) I chanced upon two passages that seem peculiarly interesting just now, each in its own special connexion. The first relates to National Service :— " Assuredly I would not neglect the Fighting purpose; no, from sixteen to sixty, not a son of mine but should know the Soldier's function too, and be able to defend his native soil and self, in best perfection, when need came."

The other describes the strength and prospects of Ulster :— " A minority that can actually step forth (sword not yet drawn but sword ready to be drawn) and say: 'Here are we, Sirs, we also are minded to vote to all lengths, as you may perceive. A company of poor men (as friend Oliver termed us) who will spend all our blood if needful.' . . . What are the noisiest anarchic Parliaments, in majority of a million to one, against such P Stubble against fire. Fear not, my friend, the issue is very certain when it comes so far as this!"

rye? sley, Poole,