But for the first time an influential body of Irish Unionists had agreed, not as individuals but as representatives, to accept Home Rule, in a wider measure than had been proffered by the Bills of 1886 and 1893 or by the Act of 1914.
Limitations which were imposed in all these had been struck out by Lord Midleton's proposals.
On the other hand, it was certain that the Ulster group would reject the scheme.

Conversation among Nationalists made it plain that if Ulster would agree with Lord Midleton we should all join them.

For the sake of an agreement reached between all sections of Irishmen, but for nothing less conclusive, Dr.O'Donnell and Mr.Russell were content to waive the claim to full fiscal independence.

Such an agreement, they held, would be accepted by Parliament in its integrity.

But if Ulster stood out, there would be no "substantial agreement," and the terms which Nationalists and Southern Unionists might combine to propose would be treated as a bargaining offer, certain to be chipped down by Government towards conformity with the Ulster demand.