HOME RULE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1003, 1 October 1912, Page 3

HOME RULE.

THE ULSTER MOVEMENT,

SIGNING OF THE COVENANT,

London, Sept. 29.

“Ulster Day” was favoured with bright sunshine. Thousands of religious services were conducted throughout Ireland. Belfast was Sundaylike, excepting that the streets were decorated with a wealth ol Union Jacks and orange emblems. The greatest service was held in Ulster Hall, and was attended by Sir Edward Carson, behind whom stood the standard-bearer with the Boyne flag, the Lord Mayor and Corporation, Peers and Commoners. Sir Charles Beresford, on entering, was cheered, whereupon the organisers, emphasising the solemnity of the occasion, declared that all worshippers should be received in silence. The Rev Dr William McKean (.Presbyterian) preached the sermon, the Anglican, Methodist and Congregational clergymen participating in the service.

Dr McKean remarked that Ireland wanted rest from political agitation. Ulstermen would support political and social reforms, but would not have Home Rule. (Applause, which was quickly suppressed.) Sir Edward Carson was escorted to the City Hall amid enthusiastic scenes, and signed with a silver pen the covenant on a table covered with Union Jacks. Lord Londonderry next signed, then the heads of the Protestant Churches, and other notabilities. The Corporation were present in scarlet robes. Sir Edward and other prominent visitors afterwards took part in the procession through the thronged and cheering streets. The Ulster Reform Club enterla bed him at a luncheon. The Primate of Ireland sent a message to Sir Edward Carson ; “May God give you strength aud wisdom to guide Ireland’s faithful sons, iu trying to save their beloved land from the degradation and disaster of religious strife and civil war.” The Unionist Club aud Orange Lodgers held a procession in the afternoon. The signing of the covenant was continued until night. An exciting incident followed a football match. Several green flags waved in Grosvenor Street was the signal for revolver shod and free fights. The affair was not serious, and the police dispersed the crowd. The covenant has been signed in all the large cities of the United Kingdom, Ulstermen in Edinburgh signed it on the gravestone in Greyfriars Churchyard whereon the covenant of 1638 was signed. Upwards of 2,000 Ulstermen in Dublin have signed the covenant. Sir Edward Carson is continuing his campaign in England and Scotland.

THE COVENANT. The Ulster Covenant, which is to be signed in the Belfast City Hall to-morrow, sets forth that, “Being convinced that Home Rule will prove subversive to civil and religious freedom, destructive to citizenship, and perilous to the Unity of Empire, Ulstermen pledge themselves to stand together in defence of equal citizenship in the United Kingdom, and will adopt all means to defeat the present conspiracy. Ulstermen will refuse to recognise the authority of the Irish Parliament, confident that God will defend the right." It is estimated thnt the covenanters will number half a million.

THE OTHER SIDE

London, Sept. 29

Sir J. Simon (Solicitor-General) at Leeds, said Liberals must not speak slightingly of the ignorance and obstinancy which appeared to inspire the Ulster campaign. The demonstration must be given due weight. The Government was prepared to apply every safeguard that reason and caution could suggest, but rinsed to be blackmailed. Nmv York, Sept. 29. Mr William Redmond, interviewed, says it is absurd to think the Ulster trouble will effect the passage of the Home Rule Bill. Talk of civil war was the merest bosh.