. Its leader, speaking at Westminster
during one of the debates on the Home Rule Bill, said scornfully, "We
do not fear oppressive legislation. We know in fact there would be none.
What we do fear is oppressive administration." That I translate to mean
that Ulster feels that the policy of the spoils to the victors would be
adopted, and that jobbery in Nationalist and Catholic interests would be
rampant. There are as many honest Nationalists and Catholics who would
object to this as there are Protestant Unionists, and they would readily
accept as part of any settlement the proposal that all posts which can
rightly be filled by competitive examination shall only be filled after
examination by Irish Civil Service Commissioners, and that this should
include all posts paid for out of public funds whether directly
under the Irish Government or under County Councils, Urban Councils,
Corporations, or Boards of Guardians. Further, they would allow
the Ulster Counties through their members a veto on any important
administrative position where the area of the official's operation was
largely confined to North-East Ulster, if such posts were of a character
which could not rightly be filled after examination and-must needs be a
government appointment. I have heard the suspicion expressed that Gaelic
might be made a subject compulsory on all candidates, and that this
would prejudice the chances of Ulster candidates desirous of entering
the Civil Service. Nationalist opinion would readily agree that, if
marks were given for Gaelic, an alternative language, such as French or
German, should be allowed the candidate as a matter of choice and the
marks given be of equal value. By such concession jobbery would be made
impossible. The corruption and bribery now prevalent in local government
would be a thing of the past. Nationalists and Unionists alike would
be assured of honest administration and that merit and efficiency, not
membership of some sectarian or political association, would lead to
public service.

20. If that would not be regarded as adequate protection Nationalists
are ready to consider with friendly minds any other safeguards proposed
either by Ulster or Southern Unionists, though in my opinion the less
there are formal and legal acknowledgments of differences the better,
for it is desirable that Protestant and Catholic, Unionist and
Nationalist should meet and redivide along other lines than those of
religion or past party