Mr.Dillon, speaking on June 16, 1914, when the danger-point had been clearly reached, justified the previous abstinence from coercion.
"I have held the view from the beginning that it would not have been wise policy for a Government engaged in the great work of the political emancipation of a nation to embark on a career of coercion.

I knew, and knew well, all the difficulties and all the reproaches that the Government would have to face if they abstained from coercion.

It is a difficult and almost unprecedented course for a Government to take, and it is, as the Chief Secretary said, a courageous one.

But with all its difficulties and dangers it is the right course.

We who have been through the mill know what the effect of coercion is.