But Mr.Churchill argued that, in the interest of efficiency, England must be divided into provincial units with separate assemblies; that Lancashire, for instance, had on many matters a very different outlook from that of Yorkshire.

He did not draw the conclusion; but it was not difficult to infer that Mr.Churchill was at least as ready to give separate rights to Ulster as to any group of English counties, and was equally ready to pitch overboard the Prime Minister's argument for refusing partition in Ireland.
In the meantime Ulster's preparations continued.

It was indicated that they would bear a religious character, and the Protestant Churches were deeply involved.

The proposal of a Covenant was made public in August, though the actual signing of it was deferred to "Ulster Day," September 28th.

Sir Edward Carson was provided with a guard carrying swords and wooden rifles, and in one instance dummy cannon made a feature of the pageant.