On Monday the Watch Committee of the Ulster Convention League
dealt with Lord Rosebery's absurd statement, that Ulster's opposition to Home-rule is based on English opinion, and that, but for the backing of England, Ulster would submit to " the proper domination of the majority in Ireland." So far from being found ready to submit to "the proper domination of the majority in Ireland," the Watch Committee solemnly declare " that nothing abort of the exercise of the overwhelming physical force of the united Empire will ever be able to impose upon Ulster a tyranny so mischievous and so hateful." The Committee goes on to ask whether Lord Rosebery is aware of the existence of the Ulster Defence Union. That body consists of 660 elected members, chosen from a register of 107,000 men of Ulster, duly enrolled in defence of the legislative Union. Lord Rosebery has clearly a good deal to learn about the political factors that dominate the Irish question, if he thinks that Ulster would be a neglect. able quantity were it not for English encouragement. As a matter of fact, the English encouragement of Ulster has been of the kind which is exercised by those who cling round a man's legs and prevent him from precipitating a fight. The one thing that has kept the Ulstermen quiet, has been their -desire not to offend their friends in England.
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