SINN FEIN REVOLT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2784, 31 May 1916, Page 5

SINN FEIN REVOLT

THE ROYAL COMMISSION MORE EVIDENCE OF WEAK ADMINISTRATION By Telegraph—l'ress Association—Copyright London, May 29. Giving evidence before the Koyal'Commission on the Sinn I'ein revolt, Sir John Ross, ex-Chief Commissioner of the Dublin Police, condemned the Arms Act of 19i(i being allowed to lapse. It was an extraordinary step, and the forerunner of trouble—like bringing a candla' into a powder magazine. Another weak' pioceeding concerning thceDublin strikers in 1913 was when the Government acceded to the Corporation's demand for an inquiry into the police action, against the rioters. He submitted,a minute to the Government as soon as drilling in tile disaffected sections began. He mado repeated requests for instructions to take action before the movements became Btrongor; but was told to "Mep the men under observation." Witness considered that the landings of arms at Larne and Howth differed in aspects. The former was done 6ecretly, and the Government's authority was not defied openly. The mob at Howth overpowered the police and defied authority. The suspension of Mr. William Vesey -Harel, Assistant Commissioner o£ the Dublin Metropolitan Police, for taking action at Howth was extraordinarily grave. He was an efficient, impartial, and ablo servant. Witness resigned as a protest. He added that Harrel's suspension destroyed the Civil Servants' confidence in their superiors, believing they were at the mercy of the politicians, who would betray them when it suited. Also, the disaffected men knew that they could arm, manoeuvre, and preach sedition unimpeded amid the distraction of the war. Harrel's removal was an essential cause of the revolution. Mr. Harrel gave. evidence, and attributed the rebellion to four causes—the existence of ail anti-British party, the repeal of the Peace Prevention. Act, the failure to enforce the law during Larkin's movement, and the Howth affair. Sir Maurice O'Connell said Kerry had swarmed with German agents.' Lody ' was arrested in the Killartiey ■ Hotel. ' which had a German manager, and also understudies employed/as waiters, until ipril, 191 G. TWO DANGEROUS PRIESTS SIR JOHN MAXWELL AND THE BISHOP London, May' 23. Tlie newspapers publish the letters' ba v tween General Maxwell and Dr. O'Dwyei Bishop of Limerick for thirty years, and described by Mr. Birrell as a very clever man and an enemy of the Nationalist Party. ■ General Maxwell asked Bishop O'Dwyei to remove two priests from his diocese, on tlie ground that their presence was a menace to the peace and safety of the realm, adding: "If they had been laymen I would have arrested them." . Bishop O'Dwyer requested evidence to justify the proposed action, and General Maxwell gave particulars of the priests' action in opposing conscription and assisting the Irish volunteers* Bishop O'Dwyer, replying, denied that the evidence warranted any disciplinary action. The priests had not violated the civil or ecclesiastical law. The Bishop added that ho regarded General Maxwell's action in shooting the Dublin rebels with, horror. The deportations were an abuse of power as fatuous as it was arbitrary. 'Tour regime is one of the worst and blackest chapters in Irish government." FROM THE ASHES OF RUINED DUBLIN A CATHEDRAL FILE SUGGESTED. London, May 29... The Archbishop of Dublin (the Most R-ev. W. J*. Walsh, D.D.) suggests the possibility of building a cathedral in one of the devastated areas of Dublin. He Is confident that tlie Irish in America and Australasia will abundantly help. THE NEW RULE IN IRELAND. MR. LLOYD GEORGE AS MEDIATOR l' (Rec. May 30, 8.40 p.m.) London, May 28. The "Daily News" states that Mr. Llovd Gfcorgq will continue the Irish negotiations initiated by Mr. Asquith. The Ulster Party is adopting a conciliatory at- . titude. Mr. Lloyd George is anxious not to make a statement beforo the adjournment, but tho Nationalists, however, think that it is essential that ho should definitely state whether a basis of agreement exists, and if not,- that it would be botter to face tho difficulties of the situation frankly, and without delay. '