the South and West subscribed money and sent it toward the
arming of their Protestant fellow-countrymen. Ideas widened as time went
on, and finally the Catholics in the South were armed and enrolled
brothers in arms with their fellow-countrymen of a different creed in
the North. May history repeat itself! [Cheers.] Today there are in
Ireland two large bodies of volunteers. One of them sprang into
existence in the North. Another has sprung into existence in the South.
I say to the Government that they may tomorrow withdraw every one of
their troops from Ireland. [General cheers.] I say that the coasts of
Ireland will be defended from foreign invasion by her armed sons, and
for this purpose armed Nationalist Catholics in the South will be only
too glad to join arms with the armed Protestant Ulstermen in the North.
[Cheers.] Is it too much to hope that out of this situation there may
spring a result which will be good not merely for the empire, but good
for the future welfare and integrity of the Irish Nation. [Cheers.] I
ought to apologize for having intervened [cries of "No"], but while
Irishmen generally are in favor of peace, and would desire to save the
democracy of this country from all the horrors of war, while we would
make any possible sacrifice for that purpose, still if the dire
necessity is forced upon this country we offer to the Government of the
day that they may take their troops away, and that if it is allowed to
us in comradeship with our brethren in the North we will ourselves
defend the coasts of our country. [Loud cheers.]

* * * * *

GREAT BRITAIN'S ULTIMATUM TO GERMANY.

Prime Minister Asquith Explains Its Nature in House of Commons, Aug. 4,
1914.

_Mr. Bonar Law_--I wish to ask the Prime Minister whether he has any
statement that he can now make to the House?

_The Prime Minister_ (_Mr. Asquith_)--In conformity with the statement
of policy made here by my right honorable friend the Foreign Secretary
yesterday, a telegram was early this morning sent by him to our
Ambassador in Berlin. It was to this effect:

The King of the Belgians has made an appeal to his Majesty the King
for diplomatic intervention on behalf of Belgium. His Majesty's
Government are also informed that the German Government have
delivered to the Belgian Government a note proposing friendly
neutrality entailing free passage through Belgian territory, and