The contrast with the Tsar's prompt grant of autonomy to Poland was sharply drawn.

Nobody rated high the chances of an amicable agreement.

On September 4th Sir Edward Carson outlined his views in Belfast.

Home Rule "will never be law in our country." But "in the interests of the State and of the Empire we will postpone active measures." This indicated sufficiently that in his judgment the Bill might become law, and that they would not be encouraged to set up immediate resistance.

The Prime Minister, as chief Minister of the nation, must be supported in the war at all costs.
Next day, renewing at Coleraine his appeal for recruits, he said: "We are not going to abate one jot or tittle of our opposition to Home Rule, and when you come back from serving your country you will be just as determined as you will find us at home." This was the answer to Redmond's proposal of fraternization.