Several of us had thought in advance that this was the most likely path to the solution; and looking back, I think it ought to have been much more fully explored.

But encouragement was lacking.
Another anticipation proved illusory.

We all realized that in the circumstances Ireland could come to a financial arrangement with Great Britain on easier terms than at any time in her history; that to settle at once would be highly profitable; and more particularly, that we could probably secure the completion of land purchase as part of the bargain.
It was thought that this argument would appeal to the commercial sense of Ulster.

We were met by a resolute reiteration that Ulster considered it Ulster's duty and Ireland's duty to take a full share, equally with the rest of the United Kingdom, in all the consequences of the war--even if it cost them their last shilling; and Ulster speakers denounced our argument as a bribe.

Some Nationalists were inclined to discount these protestations, yet I see no reason to doubt their sincerity.