ULSTER CRISIS AND THE ARMY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1226, 28 March 1914, Page 4

ULSTER CRISIS AND THE ARMY.

HISTORIC INCIDENT RECALLED.

The Ulster crisis and the resignation of officers from the British Army, rather than serve against the Ulstermen, led the London Observer to recall John Churchill’s action in 1688, and that or British officers in 1777 during the war of American Independence. The action by John Churchill occurred in connection with the arrival of William of Orange in England. Churchill— Baron Churchill he then was, afterwards to become Duke of Marlborough—had received most distinguished favour at the hands of James 11., but he bad already declared at the French Court that it the King of England should change the religion of the State he would at once leave his service. It was not long before the intentions of James became apparent to the world. Churchill was one of the first to send overtures to William. Although he continued m a high position under James and drew the emoluments of his places, the Baron promised the Prince of Orange to use every effort to bring over troops to his

side. King Janies had been warned against putting any trust in the loyally of the man upon whom he had showered so many favours, but the warnings were in vain, and when William landed at Brixbam, Churchill was promoted to be lieutenant-general, and was sent against him with 5000 men. When the royal army had advanced to the Downs, and a battle seemed imminent, James was dismayed at finding that in the dead of night his general had stolen away into the opposite camp.