If we had been told we were going into a body which would consist of two orders of members, it would have been difficult to get us here." On the essential point Ulster had made no concession.

What did Mr.
Barrie say in his formal document?
'We are satisfied that for Ireland and for Great Britain a common system of finances with one Exchequer is a fundamental necessity.' If they denied the taxing power to Ireland, any proposal on these lines must give Ireland less than any proposal for Home Rule ever put forward.

This was Ulster's original position and they had not budged an inch.
"This is their response to the Empire's S.O.S.Is it worthy of Ulster's Imperial loyalty?
I don't believe it is their last word." Lord Londonderry, however, in replying, did not add any ground of hope.
The last speech of the day announced that of six trade unionists five would support the compromise.
Redmond that evening put on the notice paper a motion adopting Lord Midleton's proposals provided that they "be adopted by His Majesty's Government as a settlement of the Irish question and legislative effect be given to them forthwith." On the day before this motion was tabled, a party was given at Lord Granard's house which everybody attended, and which marked the most festive moment of our comradeship.

When we separated on the Friday most men were absolutely confident of an agreement covering four-fifths of the Convention.
Unhappily, the motion could not come under consideration for a period of ten days.

In the following week Lord Midleton thought it necessary to attend the House of Lords.