Unhappily, this was not easy of accomplishment.  When the House reassembled after its adjournment of a fortnight, negotiations were resumed, with the result that on August 31st the Prime Minister asked for a fresh adjournment for ten days, at the end of which time the Government hoped to be able to produce satisfactory proposals as to the Irish and Welsh Bills.  Redmond felt himself obliged to enter a protest.  It had been agreed that the circumstances of the war should not be allowed to inflict political injury on any party in the House; and he would give the friendliest consideration to any proposal for giving to the Opposition what they might have gained by a discussion on the Amending Bill.

“But we must emphatically say that any proposal which would have the effect of depriving us of the enactment of the Irish measure—­and I presume I may say the same with reference to the Welsh measure—­an enactment to which we were entitled practically automatically when the circumstances of the war arose, would do infinite mischief, and would be warmly resented by us.

“Just let me say one word more.  There has arisen in Ireland the greatest opportunity that has ever arisen in the history of the connection between the two countries for a thorough reconciliation between the people of Ireland and the people of this country.  There is to-day, I venture to say, a feeling of friendliness to this country, and a desire to join hands in supporting the interests of this country such as were never to be found in the past; and I do say with all respect, that it would be not only a folly, but a crime, if that opportunity were in any degree marred or wasted by any action which this country might take.  I ask this House—­and I ask all sections of the House—­to take such a course as will enable me to go back to Ireland to translate into vigorous action the spirit of the words I used here a few days ago.”

An angry scene followed.  Mr. Balfour asked whether “it was possible decently to introduce subjects of acute discussion in present circumstances”—­in other words, whether all mention of Home Rule must not be postponed till after the war.  This provoked hot debate, checked only by a strong appeal from the Prime Minister.  But the general effect was not reassuring to Ireland.  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: