SINN FEIN REVOLT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2777, 22 May 1916, Page 5

SINN FEIN REVOLT

MR. BIRRELL'S EVIDENCE

THE WAR HAD TURNED MANY HEADS

ALWAYS FELT NERVOUS

By TeleEranh—Prcse Association-Copyright

London, May 19. Before tlio Hoyal Commission inquiring into tho causes of tho rebellion in Ireland, Air. Augustine Birrell (Chief Secretary lor Ireland) said lie did not desire to add to or modify Sir Matthew Nathan's statement.

Mr. Birroll read Iris own statement, remarking 011 the folly of Sinn Feinisny which bad led many bravo fellows to their doom in tho belief that any revolution was better than none. If at tho onfcet of the war Homo llule had not been placed on the Statute Book there would have been a revolt, fie contended that gun-runuing was largely carried out. The Orange Covenant anil the Provisional Government, with all tho pomp and circumstances of rebellion, produced a prejudicial effect on the disloyal parties elsewhere. Thero was a spirit- abroad that what others were allowed to do they could do. Ireland, through Mr. Redmond's patriotism, had preserved during war time aa unbroken front, but many did not agree with Mr. Redmond's attitude. It was impossible to overestimate the effect which Sir Edward Carson's entering the Cabinet had produced in the minds of the ptople. Had Mr. Redmond entered the Cabinet, he could not have remained leader of the Nationalist Party. There was lio'doubt that German assistance was at the bottom of the rebellion. The war had turned many heads, and upset all prudent calculations.

Replying to Lord Hardiuge, Mr. Birrell said he had realised during the past two years that there was a dangerous movement. He bad evidence that disarmament would have been ;i dangerous policy. "Mi. Redmond stated in the House of Commons that the Sinn Eeiners were a negligible quantity. I did not attach much importance to his opinion in that matter, because I was quite sure they wera dangerous. Mr. Dillon .also strongly favoured ion-intervention. AVe had daily reports from the Constabulary in all parts, enabling us <to form a 'correct opinion.

"I always felt ignorant and nervous at what ivas occurring in tho cellars in Dublin. Towards the middle of April I heard that tho Castlo was to be attacked. I had conferred -with Lord Kitchener and Lord French on March 20 and 27, urging them to send more soldiers to Dublin, believing that it' they were paraded with bands and bayonets fixed it would have, a good effect. Lord Kitchener and Lord Fronch wero busy training men and were nnable to spare any, but stated that in tho event of trouble they could move troops from Liverpool quickly. Lord Wimborne's view was as strong as mine, and it was submitted to the military authorities. Although I am unablo to reside in Ireland except at Christmas, Easier, and Whitsuntide, and a short time in the summery I have visited more parts than any of my predecessors. "Events havo shown that the' Irish Government was insufficiently provided in 'the Criminal Investigation Department. The revolution was doomed to failure, but if there had been a German invasion the whole population might have risen for or against us. There was no effort at a general disarmament, because it was considered dangerous." Mr. Justice Shearman: "Meanwhile tho Germans might, have landed. Why was not overt drilling suppressed?" Mr. Birrell: "We.'thought it would be difficult to prove association with the enemy. It would have required sojdiers, and bloodshed would havo resulted in the west, north, and south-east of Ireland. The policy of non-intervention in the case of Ulster was tho Cabinet's decision; but not so in tho case of tho Sinn Feiners." Continuing, Mr. Birrell said,; "The Sinn Fein was composed of tho old anti-British hatredi and distrust and was always noticeable in all places and classes in varying degree, but ever present as the background of Irish politics and character. This feeling was hard to deline but easy to discern, though incapable of exact measurement. You may assumo that these wero always dangerous."

The Chairman's questions were most searching. .

Mr. Birrell cxcused his continued absence from Dublin, to. the necessity of attending Cabinet when it was deliberating on Ireland. He was astonished at the Court saying that a jackdaw or a magpie could have done as well. Ho admitted that he ought to have used his powers to stop the landing of arms. At the moment the greatest risk was the outbreak of war, when it might have been necessary to mobilise 110,000' soldiers to keep down Ireland, but Mr. Redmond's speech averted the danger.

Questioned whether he had special warnings of tho trouble, Mi'. Birrell said, "Tho constabulary reports enable us to form a correct estimate of each locality. These vary much, according to tho charactor of the priests. If tho. priests are ■ antiSinn Feiners, Sinn Feinism dies out; if the clergy foster Sinn Feinism it is promoted and extended." He did not care to say how many turbulent priests there were, but there were a considerable number. The inquiry has been' adjourned -until Monday. ACCOUNT OF HIS MISSION MR. ASQUITH VISITS THE KING (Hoc. May 21, 11.10 p.m.) / London, May 21. Mr. Asquith visited the King, and gave an account of his Irish mission. Lord Wimborne, Viceroy of Ireland, is coming to London. It is understood his resignation has not yet been accepted. Mr. Asquith faces the busiest <laj: on Tuesday in the House of Commons. Dozens of questions aro awaiting him. His statement is unlikely to go closely into developments which are still in a dclicate stage^ The "ilancncster Guardian" says Mr. Asquith has found the Ulsterinen stubborn, but hopes that they will co-operate in a settlement. IRISH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WIDE ADMINISTRATIVE 'POWERS. (Rec. May 21, 5.5 p.m.) London, M!ay 20. Advices from Ireland suggest that Mr.. Asquith is discussing the formation of an Executivo Council, with wide administrative powers, sitting in Dublin as an lush Cabinet, but not possessing powers to enact legislation or impose new taxation. The opinion of Irish leaders is sought beforo Tuesday. CASE OF JEREMIAH LYNCH. AMERICA ASKS FOR DELAY. Washintgon, May 19. President WiL=on has cabled to ' tho British Government asking it to delay the execution of Jeremiahi Lynch until the American Government has time to investigate.