It has the same relation to reality that the cap-hunting exploits of Tartarin of Tarascon had to the Franco-German war.

It has been devised merely to make flesh creep in certain tabernacles of fanaticism in the less civilised parts of England and Scotland.

So far as action goes it will end in smoke, but not in gunpowder-smoke.

There will no doubt be riots in Belfast and Portadown, for which the ultimate responsibility will rest on learned counsel of the King.

But there have been riots before, and the cause of Home Rule has survived all the blackguardism and bloodshed.