ARMS PROCLAMATION.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14844, 9 December 1913, Page 7

ARMS PROCLAMATION.

NATIONALISTS DISPLEASED. Tho Nationalists of Dublin arc displeased with tho proclamation as disclosing an admission of tho seriousness of t:M position in Ulster Many at t!iG same time declare that it is directed against the Nationalist volunteer movement rather than Ulster. They claim that the many thousands enrolled will resent anything that will hinder them from arming, and say it is even intended to start a small-arms' factory. Tho "Daily Telegraph's" correspondents slate that it is only in Belfast that the , constabulary and secret service men have been specially detailed to watch gun-running Tho suggestion that the proclamation is directed against the volunteer movement m Dublin is untenable. A starving city cannot afford tho luxury of rifles. Ireland's contribution to the Parliamentary fund, including £4000 from Nationalist members, is £17,000, or £3000 less than the district of Dromore, in County Down, has guaranteed tho Unionist indemnity fund. If tho entire Nationalist Parliamentary fund were applied, to arming, it would bo of very little utility. Several Customs officers in Scotland have been instructed to take bicycloa to Ireland to keep a sharp look-out on the coasts for 'rifles and ammunition. Firemen were injured by explosions of cartridges during a firo at *a stockbroker's garago in Belfast. The fusilade lasted twenty minutes.