THE SINN FEIN CONSPIRACY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 213, 28 May 1918, Page 5

THE SINN FEIN CONSPIRACY

PUBLIC OPINION ON THE REVELATIONS

EXCITED SPEECH BY IRISH MEMBER

Ti,o t> , London, May 26. Hm \L VCi \ rT s } l "}«nimoualy declares that tho published evidence justified the papeis favour tho publication uf fuller tacts and a public trial of tho ringleadi. , , Dali J' Chronicle" says: "If it could be shown that tho Sinn Fein lead<rs really conspired to establish German submarine bases on tho Irish coast, it would produce a great revulsion of re"V' SiimSt Sinil Uiroughout

Hie Morning Post" says it is difficult to understand why the Sinn Fein leaders were released after the Easter rebellion,' and condemns the "ranting of Home ilulo to a population largely controlled by Sinn Feincrs. The "Daily Telegraph" snvs: "Public opinion mil demand that the ringleaders pe tried and punished without delay. If tho Constitutional Nationalists are sincere m disowning sympathy with treason, they will surely not hesitate to swell the ononis of detestation in Allied countries mi in f anlm,s sinn Fein treachery." Tho "Daily Express" says: "The Government has established a convincing prima facie case against the Sinn Feiners, who should be tried publicly. It is possiblo that Ireland would listen to them no more if they are proved guilty m open Court; but half Ireland will believe them innocent if they aro kept interned without trial."—Houter.

IRISH OPINION London, Majf 2G. The "Irish News" says that tho Government's allegations regarding Ireland are not supported by evidence. Tho "Freeman's Journal" says the statement is skilfully constructed, but, is not supported by a tittle of t-vidonce. Tho Central News Agency's Dublin correspondent says that tho Government account of the pro-German plot has failed to impress the Nationalists, who declare that it does not prove tho Sinn Fein'6 connection with the plot, and demand a public trial. Mr. Arthur Lynch, M.P., declares that tho Nationalists do not sympathiso with pro-Germanism. Undoubtedly tho Sinn Fein was actuated by sincere nationalism, but its tactics wore all wrong. It was of paramount importance for Ireland, that the Allies should win the war. It would bo an eternal-disgrace to humanity if Hohenzollernisin triumphed, whereas an Allied victory would open up a new om of liberty, in which Ireland would share. He would do his utmost to secure this result—Aus.-N.Z. Cable- Assn,

INFLAMMATORY SPEECHES. (Rec. May 27, 10.50 p.m.) London, May 27. Speaking at Dublin, Mr. . William O'Brien, M.P., commenting on tho Government's statement of tho evidence against the Sinn Feinors, said: "Since the Popish plot there has been nothing more disgraceful to English statecraft. The Irish peoplo will read Mr. Lloyd George's 6tory with tho same mingled indignation and contempt as they read tho forged letters that wore published by the authors of 'Parnoliism and Crime.' A similai 1 reaction as then occurred is sure to follow. Tho fact that traitors aro punished by internment is a sufficient commentary upon this rubbish, showing it to bo an attempt by foul means to break the anti-conscription movement. Tho German plot will turn out even grosser than the extension of conscription to Ireland. Mr. J. Devlin, M.P., in a speech at Duncannon, asked why war continued. "Both sides," he said, "say .that they do not want annexations or indemnities. Both claim to be tho champions of small nationalities and the liberty of civilisation, If Germany is willing to negotiate if would bo a crime to prolong the war by even a single day."~Aus,-N.Z. Cable Assn.