THE UNREST IN IRELAND.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16410, 2 January 1919, Page 7

THE UNREST IN IRELAND.

THE r.HIKK' SECRETARY'S VIEW

(By Coble.—Presa Aeeociation. —Copyright.) (Australian and Cctblio Association.) NEW YORK, December 31. The United Association's correspondent in London interviewed Mr Edward Sliortt, Chief Secretary for Ireland, who said: "The coming sis months -will decide whether the Irish question will be settled peacefully _ or with bloodshed. Ido not consider that the large Sinn Fein vote in tne recent elections shows a demand for separation from England. I believe that from sixty to seventy per cent, of the Sinn Feiners can bo persuaded to accept Home Rule." The ""New York World's" London correspondent says that it is expected that Irish emigration to the "United States will increase greatly after the passport regulations are withdrawn. It is believed that Irish emigrants will exceed the pre-war numbers. RELEASE OF SINN FEINERS. LONDON, December 30. The release of all Sinn Feiners is expected immediately. Count Plunkett has been freed. THE IMPRISONED SINN FEINERS. ERECT BARRICADES AND ISOLATE THEMSELVES. (Australian and N.&. Cable Association.) (Received January Ist, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, December 31. There is an extraordinary situation at Belfast prison. On Monday tho Sinn Feiners, breaking the staircase and erecting barricades, isolated themselves in one wing. They claim to possess several days' provisions. They are creating an uproar, singing, cheering, and playing tin whistles. They have hung out a banner constructed of bedcovers. They ripped the elates off the roof of a large block of the buildings, and tore up tho flooring. A military detachment is encamped before tho prison. {Received January 2nd, 12.15 a.m.) LONDON, Deoember 31. It is stated that if the Government refuses to release the Sinn Fein prisoners a strike throughout the country will follow, dislocating all industries.