SINN FEIN REVOLT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2769, 12 May 1916, Page 5

SINN FEIN REVOLT

ROYAL COMMISSION OF

INQUIRY i : SUSPENSION OF THE EXECUTIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 10. Mr. Asquith announced that Lord Hardingc, of Penshurst, the Hon. Mr. «Tustice Shearman, au<l Sir Mackenzie Chalmers Jia,ve been appointed to inquire into the causes of the- outWak of the rebellion, and also tho conduct anil degree of responsibility of the civil and military executive in Ireland. . lie declined Mr. Redmond's suggestion to extend the terms' of reference. Mr J. Pillon (Nationalist) obtained leave to raise a debate on the Irish situation to-night, but refrained from doing si until to-morrow, Mr. Asquith promising that there would be no further ssecuWous in the meantime. SKEFFINGTON'S EXECUTION AN UNOFFICIAL ACT. London, May 10. Mr. Asquith reported that Skeffington was shot on April 28 without tho knowledge of the military authorities. The matter was being investigated,- iind. tho officer concerned had been wrested and vnuld !ki couri.-uiartijJlod Mr. Asquith said he had reason to believe there would bo no further necessity tf« proceed with extreme measures against the rebels; but lie could not give any undertaking on tho point. STATEMENT BY SKEFFINGTON'S WIDOW. (Rec. May 11, 9.15 p.m.) London, May 10. Skeffington's widow states that her husband was arrested .on April 25, when he wns returning homo on the second day of the rising, tried on an unknown charge, and shot forthwith. Her husband was unarmed, a non-combatant, and an earnest and well-known pacifist. "I was not allowed to see my husband, or Teceive a message, or bury his body." Mr. H. A. Nevinson, a journalist, stated that when he was., arrested and shot Skef(ington was engage din posting placards calling on the people to desist from looting. .

HUNTING DOWN" THE REBSLS.

" London, May 10. The police, day and niglit, are hunting rebels among the ■ rocks, and bogs in the mountains of Gal-w'iy. T?ji-.di-etU havo heen arrested at . their homes, but the leaders are hiding in the mountains. Many have declared that they will not be taken without a fight.

CIVILIAN CASUALTIES. (Rec. May 11, 9.15 p.m.) •1 London, May 10. .„ Tl ! e .,9 ivillan casualties in Dublin totalled 108 lulled and 614 "wounded. POLITICAL CTOCLBSIN A PULTTBR, (Rec. May 11, 9.15 p.m.) m, t - , London, May 10. J. no irish problem eontinuesvto agitate political circles. The Nationalists and' Radical extremists are gravelv concerned over the continuanco of tlie executions. RESIGNATION OF THE VICEROY THE CHIEF SECRETARYSHIP ' MR. CHURCHILL MENTIONED By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Rec. Alay 11, 9.15 p.m.) T . London, May 10. It was announced .to-day tiiat Viscount Viceroy) had resigned, and that Lord lilacdonnell had gone to Ireland on public business. It is "rumoured that he ivill act as Chief Secretary. . Other Liberals desiro Mr. Churchill, .though the Nationalists and Unionists object. .. v .i > .. The "Manchester Guardian" is of the opinion that Mr. Churchill will "at least blow a strong draught through' Dublin Castle. Mr.. Churchill seems to favour an extension of the Military Service Bill to Ireland on the. basis of an agreed settlement on tho Home Rulo Bill. TliOrd Macdonnell (better known as Sir • Anthony Macdonnell) has held various important administrative appointments in India, nnd from 1902 till 1908 was Assist-' ant-Secretary of State for Ireland. He is 72 years of, age.] ■ CENSURE MOTION I THE LORDS STRONG CRITICISM OF MR. UIRUELL (llec. May 11, 10.30 p.m.) T „ London, May 10. In the House, of Lords, Lord .Loreburn moved u motion of censure, on thfe Government's pre-rebellion policy in Ireland He objected, he said, to Mr. Birrell being made the scapegoat. - Others were equally guilty. Lord lireburn added: "The Government ought to treat Parliament candidly. There has been neglect of the elementary duties ot .the Government to give protection agaiust violence directed against the whole population. The events of the war ' havo shown that the policy of silence has been carried to excess. Parliament is too reticent in controlling the Government J*? expressions of opinion. Antwerp, Gallipoh, and Mesopotamia, are instances where our forces were dissipated, our prestige diminished, and scores of thousands of lives destroyed without serious criticism. No one yet! knows who is blameworthy." He wanted now to know who was to-blame for Ireland. Lord Bonoughmore said that it seemed a farcical thing that Lord Hardinge should preside over tho Commission which was to allocate the blame for Ireland when he might have to clear himself of tho responsibility'for Mesopotamia. "Perhaps the Government will appoint Mr. Birrell to act as chairman of a Commission to inquire in Mesopotamia?" Viscount Midleton declared that lie had warned Mr. Birrell, Sir Matthew Nathan (Under-Secretary to the Viceroy), and Mr. Asquith of the, impending trouble. Mr." Birrell then pleaded that to forcefully suppress the Irish volunteers would be a reckless proceeding mid promote disloyalty. At the time of the outbreak high officials were at a race meeting. Ho demanded the dismissal of all Civil Servants who were Sinn Feiners.. "It, is well known," he added, "that a submarine got fuel on the west coast of Ireland, but the Government was inactive until tho Liisitania disaster-happened. The police were forbidden to interfere with the Sinn Feiners. The police .could have arrested Sir lioKer Casement's agents, but they desisted in view of Mr. Bin-ell's attitude. The Marquis of Crewe, replying,'pleaded that the whole question was at present sub jmlice. . . , Tho debate was adjourned. WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THE REBELS BERNARD SHAW SUGGESTS IRISH BRIGADE FOR FRANCE. (Rec. May 11, 9.15 p.m.) ■ London, May 10. Mr.. George Bernard Shaw (the wellknown author and playwright) proposes that the Sinn Feiners should be handed over' to General Jofi're and formed into nn Irish Brigade and so be allowed to expiute their offences by fighting for France, as the Irish Brigade did at Fontenoy. THE "FEATBERHEADREBELLION" PUT NOT YOUR FAITH IN' GERMANS. London, May 10. Mr.. Herbert Samuel, at the National Liberal Club, said the Irish revolt would he known in history as the "Featherhoad Rebellion." The leaders had rashly put. faith in their -so-called 'Continental Allies," but the German Government had betrayed its dupes. We would be guilty if unpardonable weakness unless meted

out stern penalties to tiie bloodguilty; bat wo (lid not intend to commit widespread executions. , "There can," lie said,--be no thought of peace nntil we. have beaten tho Germans; we must not leavo the settlement to our children. , I believe that ■ Verdun is one of the decisive batt!»s- of the world, and that its outcome will be tho final repulse of Gcrmany.'s-,terrific; effort.''. _• MANIFESTO TO THEHRISH PEOPLE. London, May 10. At a meeting of Nationalists a manifesto to the Irish people was drawn up, which will be issued on Wednesday. BRITISH SECRET SERVICE COMPLIMENTED HOW CASEMENT WAS TRACKED. ' _ London, May 10. 11 r e ,i ""°sne " declarcea that tho arrest of -Sir .Hoger Casement Proofs the excellence of Britain's political _ secret service. ' Though '•Casement* Consular o.\pevie.<ice had fully aoquiuuted him with the organisation of the secret service, he did not suspect that he was constantly watched. His footsteps were dogged every where, and he was sei» ed the moment he landed in Ireland. CASEMENTS TBIAL. ~ . , " London, May" .10. Mr. Asquivh announced in the House ol? Commons that the trial of Sir Eoger Casement would bsgin on Monday