At the climax of the anti-Home Rule campaign in the spring of 1914, a correspondent of one of the Continental papers, so the story runs in Belfast, had the good luck to be granted an interview with Sir Edward Carson. Having penetrated through the ranks of the Ulster Volunteers, who in those days kept watch and ward over the Ulster leader, the journalist was ushered into the Council Chamber of the Provisional Government. He was received with that courtesy which Sir Edward Carson always extends to the Press ; but the great man gently remarked that, as urgent affairs demanded his attention, he would take it as a favour if questions were made as brief and concise as possible. "Certainly, Sir Edward," said the interviewer. " What 1 particularly want to know is how did this Ulster trouble come about ! ' " My dear fellow," replied Sir Edward, with his sweetest smile, " to explain that I should have to go back in history for at least three centuries.