The test has come sooner than I, or anyone, expected.

I tell the Prime Minister that this test will be honourably met.

I say for myself that I would feel myself personally dishonoured if I did not say to my fellow-countrymen as I say to them here to-day, and as I will say from the public platform when I go back to Ireland, that it is their duty, and should be their honour, to take their place in the fighting-line in this contest." That was a clear pledge.

The Home Rule Bill received the Royal Assent on September 18th.

But before the seal was affixed Redmond's manifesto to the Irish people was in all the newspapers.