The public thought, and it was apparent that the public would think, that Government was afraid to quarrel with what is called Society.

Society shared that belief and began to extend its influence in a new direction.

No Government can permit itself to be defied without general relaxation of discipline, and the effects extended themselves to the Army.

At a meeting on July 12th in Ulster a telegram was read out from "Covenanters" in an Ulster regiment, urging "No surrender until ammunition is spent and the last drop of blood." In his speech on that occasion Sir Edward Carson declared that every day brought him at least half a dozen letters from British officers asking to be enrolled among the future defenders of Ulster.

One officer, he said, having signed the Covenant, was ordered to send in his papers and resign his commission.