After Mr. Redmond had made a speech of " sombre
acquiescence," and Mr. O'Brien bad spoken on 'this hateful proposal," Sir Edward Carson rose to make what was in every sense the most statesmanlike and the most profound speech in the debate. We have dealt with its effect elsewhere, but must record here the words in which he dealt with Mr. Asquith's specific proposal :—
"For my own part, if you take your time-limit away I would feel it my duty to go over to Ulster and to call a Convention. Much, as I think, is impracticable in the system you propose for segregating the various counties, which I think I could easily show, though I do not think it is relevant to the argument I now have in hand. But with this time-limit, and Ulster ready, as I believe it, for any exigency at the present moment. I shall not go to Ulster. Take away the time-limit and instead put the limit of Parliament as elected by the people whenever they may deter- mine, having regard to the feelings of Ulster itself, and then I shall go to Ulster. I make that offer to the right hon. gentleman."
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