1893: Ulster Men Prepare for Civil War, Planning Mass Bank Withdrawal to Buy Arms

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/world/europe/ireland-home-rule-unionist.html

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LONDON — To show that their threatened resistance to Home Rule is not an idle boast, and that if the measure be passed civil war will result, Irish Unionists are preparing to arm and equip themselves.

It is stated that they are arranging for the simultaneous withdrawal from the Post Office Savings Bank of all moneys deposited by them, and that these moneys are to be employed in the purchase of weapons and accoutrements.

Already inquiries have been made at Birmingham, with a view to contracts for the supply of arms, and yesterday a Dungannon club received from a Birmingham manufactory an offer of 1,000 Martini rifles at a low price.

Meanwhile pacific and persuasive endeavors will be made to avert the apprehended trouble.

It is proposed in Belfast that a deputation of 5,000 Ulster-men should go to London at their own expense, and demand from Mr. Gladstone that he and his party should not separate Ulster from the rest of the Empire, by his Home Rule Bill, without their consent.

No threats or violent language to be used, but the demonstration is to act as a warning to the Premier.

— The New York Herald, European Edition, Feb. 23, 1893