THE HOME RULE QUESTION. The Orangemen Preparing.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2180, 29 June 1886, Page 2

THE HOME RULE QUESTION. The Orangemen Preparing.

Mr William Johnston, M.P., presided at a tneetiun in the Orange Hall, Dungannon, on Thursday night. In response to a vote of confidence, he said that it seemed strange that the loyal, the contented, and the prosperous in Ireland were to be handed over to the tender mercies of those who were their bitterest enemies, of those wlio had either taken part in or countenanced deeds of murder, bloodshed, and boycotting. He wonltl ask them to be prepared (shouts of " We are ready "). He could uot but wonder at the tuipreparedness of their forefathers in 1041 and 16S8 ; but they had learned a lesson. Should Homo Rule pass, property would become valueless. and they would be under the dominion of their bitterest enemies. He had said in the House of Commons that the Loyalists would resist Home Rule at the point of the bayonet, and he was peered at by the Nationalists ; but the Orangemen and Loyalists were in earnest, anU 'were prepared to take the Held ill" defence of their rights, their liberties, their religion, and their Queen tchecrs, and great enthusiasm). The Grand Lodge of Ireland met in Dublin last week, and agreed to form provincial council* or committee!", for the people to take counsel together, and to organise themselves, so as to do w bat was necessary to protect their rights and liberties. And, with the assistance of many outside their order, they would form a noble band, and show Mr Gladstone that they were prepared to do and die for the Protestant religion. Lord Wolselfy, the great grandson of Colonel Wolseley, who fought at Newton Butler, and over one thousand officers of the British army, hid expressed their determination to throw up their commissions and lead the Loyalists of Ulster. If it should ever come to a struggle — which ho feared was inevitable — they would 6fibt for the rights and liberties of their native land. At th« conclusion the audience sane; the National Anthem. A Dungannon correspondent says :— " I have it on the most trustworthy authority that steps are being taken by the Orangemen to organise a force to take the field should the Home Rule Bill pass, and that the feelings of the Proscstant farmers and working men are in favour of this course. The Orange Society, on account of its organisation, is taking the matter up, and district and private lodge meetings are being held all over the country. The organisation will embrace many outside Orange societies, who are prepared to take up arms with their fellow Loyalists in Tyrone, Armagh, Antrim, Derry and Down. Promises of assistance came from England, Scotland, and the Colonies. Upwards of 100,000 men can be raised in Ireland alo it."