The prospect of civil war remained, with only one limitation.

Mr.Bonar Law undertook that if a general election took place and the Liberals again came back, the British Unionist party would not support Ulster in physical resistance.

They would, however, continue to oppose a Home Rule Bill by all constitutional means.
Nevertheless, the English disposition to compromise was already operating.

Mr.Asquith was the last of mankind to make a quixotic stand for principle, and the most disposed to pride himself on a practical recognition of realities.

His Government was in rough water.