IRISH UNREST.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16149, 1 March 1918, Page 7

IRISH UNREST.

THE SINN FEIN MENACE. OUTRAGES BY ARMED BANDS. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyist.) ("Tim Times.'') LONDON, February 27. The Dublin correspondent of "Tho Times" says that. Mr H. E. Duke (Secretary for Ireland) has promised the Government's practical help for persons whose lands have been seized in tlie name of the Irish Republic. For months past peasants have been seizing and ploughing lands, despite tho presence of police. The corresixwulent urges tho gravity of the position, and tho necessity for prompt action. The next few weeks perhaps days— V *"'H severely test tho Irish Executive, and possibly place the i'ate of the Irish Convention in Mr Duke's hands. The latest outrages include tho action of an firmed band, which_stuok up a bank manager'and stole £5500 from hin while he was motoring to Kilfearagh (County Clare) cattle fair t.;> pay dealers. Tho police cautioned a band of 300, who were engaged in driving cattle at Castle Fergus. . The drivers attacked the police barracks, and shouted. "Close in and kill them!' 1 They refused, to disperse, and tlie police lire:!, wounding two. The mob then dispersed, parrying oif the wounded men. At the Roscommon pig fair, a number of farmers, resenting iixod prices, mobbed a Dublin fcod control official, whom. the police rescued. The dealers refuse to purchase pigs, fearing another Sinn Foin seizure. THE GOVERNMENT BLAMED. (Australian anil X.Z. Cabls Association.) LONDON, February 27. The ''Manchester Guardian" says:— The authorities in Ireland to realiso the importance of the insidious beginnings of somi-agrarian crime and intimidation, which havo now become a reckless, irresponsible, and definite movement. The movement would bo deserving of the name nf anarchical if it did not seek to justify itself by attempting to perform some of the neglected duties of the existing anarchical system of government. Sporadic bands, calling themselves Provisional Governors, are lawlessly attempting rural reconstruction, which the Executive suspended at tho outbreak of war. Almost overy parish has its Prothcro or Rhonddn instructing tho farmers and rrrnziers how to buy or sell. The Sinn Feiners threaten to control tho exports. Ireland must bo given a Government which will govern, whatever its constitution may be. WAR COUNCIL'S FIRM ATTITUDE. LONDON, February 27. The Limerick correspondent of the "Daily News' 1 says that tho War Council has taken a strong line in relation to the unsettled conditions. There is no cause for alarm, arrangements having been made capable of coping with any trouble. Mr H. E. Duke (Secretary for Ireland) states that tho Sinn Feiners commenced the disorders, hoping to wreck the Convention, which is at a critical stage. Mr Duke has written to the Lord Mayor of Cork that physical disability due to hunger-striking is not a ground for tho discharge from prison of ordinary criminals. Prisoners in all- parts of "Ireland are adopting tho hungerstrike. "Freeman's Journal" reports that Mr Duke is resigning, but Mr Duke himself says that he has no statement to make on the subject. A daring outrage in County Clare on Sunday is typical of tho utter disorganisation in the county. Two constables were badly shot while protecting a family who were Crown witnesses in the Barrymore murder case three years ago. A man named Marriman was returning from his task., with constables escorting him, when suddenly six masked men jumped a wall, and disarmed and knocked down tho constables. They then fired revolvers, wounding the fallen men. The masked attackers escapod. No arrests have yet been made. MORE TROOPS FOR CLARE. ("Tho Times.") LONDON", February 27. County Clare lias been declared a special military area, under the Defence of the Realm Act. The military forces have been strengthened. FURTHER CATTLE DRIVES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 28th. 10.10 p.m.) February 27. Further cattle drives have been made at Roscommon, resulting in conflicts with the police, many being injured on both sides.