human
I'm very glad to be able to tell you, he said,
gpt
It depends, I said,
human
I telegraphed to the Prime Minister last night, said Clithering;
gpt
I sent a long, detailed message--
human
I heard about that, I said,
gpt
It was of the utmost possible importance, said Clithering,
human
They weren't overawing any one,
gpt
So I saw. So I saw yesterday afternoon. I telegraphed at once. I gave it as my opinion that the troops, so far from overawing, were exasperating the populace. I suggested--I'm sure you'll agree with me that the suggestion was wise--in fact I urged very strongly that the troops should be kept out of sight to-day--under arms and ready for emergencies--but out of sight. I am in great hopes that the people will settle down quietly. Now, what do you think, Lord Kilmore?
human
They'll be quite quiet, I said,
gpt
Oh, but that's impossible, said Clithering.
human
I quite agree with the Prime Minister there. Any sign of weakness on the part of the Government at the present crisis would be fatal, absolutely fatal. The Belfast people must understand that they cannot be allowed to defy the law.
gpt
Then you'd better trot out your soldiers again, all you've got.
human
We shall rely upon the police, he said,
gpt
On the whole, I said,
human
I'm very glad I'm not a policeman.
gpt
Surely, said Clithering,
human
I'm nothing of a prophet, I said;
gpt
But we want to avoid bloodshed, said Clithering.
human
We cannot have the citizens of Belfast shot down by the military. Think of the consequences, the political consequences. A Tory Government might--but we! Besides, the horrible moral guilt.
gpt
It's no affair of mine, I said;
human
But they won't be killed, said Clithering.
gpt
Our one aim is to avoid bloodshed.
human
You're trying the police rather high, I said.
gpt
They'll do what you tell them, of course. But I don't think it's quite fair to ask them to face ten times their own number of men all armed with magazine rifles when they have nothing but those ridiculous little carbines.
human
Oh, but the police are not to have firearms, said Clithering.
gpt
Strict orders have been given--batons ought to be quite sufficient. We must avoid all risk of bloodshed.
human
Good gracious! I said.
gpt
Do you expect a handful of police with small, round sticks in their hands--Oh! go away, Clithering. You mean well, I dare say, but you're absurd.