IRISH EXECUTIONS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 112, 13 May 1916, Page 5

IRISH EXECUTIONS.

% BRITISH PRESS CALL A HALT. A SINN FEINER PLOTTHAT DIC NOT SUCCEED. TO KIDNAP SIR EDWARD CARSON. SENSATIONAL REPORT FROM DENMARK. WARLIKE ACTIVITIES IN SWITZERLAND. MORE ABOUT ANZACS IN FRANCE. BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS IRISH REBELS NO MORE DEATH SENTENCES ARE NECESSARY. CLEMENCY SHOULD BE THE GUIDING WORD. (Reed. 8.45 a.m.). • • '. ; i LONDON, May 12. The Manchester Guardian states that James Connolly, and presumably, MacDermott, who are now under death sentence by an unwritten law, must be nursed back to life before being executed. Some weeks before Connolly was sufficiently strong to stand up ,and it is not conceivable that there is any gain in now shooting him. There has been grave errors, and some signal act was needed to efface hideous memories such as the shooting of Skeffington and two others equally innocent. Mr. Asquith's main object is to restore good feeling. Great ends demand great decisions, and for Ireland our policy at this testing time is summed up in the one word "Clemency." AN AIR MINISTRY TO BE CREATED. LORD CURZON TO BE APPOINTED. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). LQNDON, May 12. A correspondent states that the Government has decided to create an air ministry, and that Lord Curzon is to be appointed. ' A PLOT TO KIDNAP SIR ED WARD. CARSON. , ? SINM FEINERS. DISAPPOINTED AT ABSENCE OF, VICtS.M.'. ■" ■ ~.- ...'• s, >.-* ■ . •. ».:.'■ «-.'.!■■-•'* ••>} #? '.- ' ;-\i&V*"S-* :,-;;.1',:\.-?T;.V ; [-Is 0,1 ' LONDON, May 12. The Daily Telegraph's- parliamentary j correspondent, states that evidence exists that Sinn Feiners plotted to kidnap Sir Edward Carson from Ronald McNeill's residence, at Cushen Hall ,on Easter Monday. ..It miscarried owing-' to Mr| Carson's inability to visit Ireland through the shortness of the Eastern recess. BRITISH MINERS FEDERATION OPPOSE CONSCRIPTION. BY A MAJORITY OF OVER FOUR- TO ONE. r ■ ■ (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). LONDON, May 12 The Miners' Federation, by card vote, 583,000 to 135,000 opposed conscription ,and they unanimously protested against the automatic enlistment of, lads on becoming eighteen. A SERIOUS LOSS TO AUSTRO-GERMANS. HUGE STOCKS OF CORN AND FLOUR BURNED. /'•'-■■>-• (Reed. 9.30 a,m.). ZURICH, May 12 Aradszescsenys flourmills, the largest in Hungary, carrying enormous stocks of corn and flour have been burned. GERMAN GUNS GOING TO LIBAU. | ESCORTED BY DESTROYERS AND TORPEDOERS. 'FEARING THE BRITISH SUBMARINES (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). f COPENHAGEN, May 12. Many German merchantmen are carrying j£uns and ammun|.t|jm tjotwards Libau, escorted by destroyers and torpedoers, as British submarines hav e appeared in certain parts of the Baltic. » WARLIKE ACTIVITIES IN SWITZERLAND. ALL ? METALS HAVE BEEN SEIZED. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). «■ '- i BERNE, May 12. The Federal Council has sequestrated all metal. A SENSATIONAL REPORT IN DENMARK. GERMANY COMMANDEERING ALL MERCHANTMEN. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). >S COPENHAGEN, May 12. The National Tidende states that a shipbroker of Malmoe, who has business relations with German Baltic ports, received a sensational report respecting the Germans commandeering all German merchantmen on June Ist STATEMENT BY MR 3. SKEFFINGTON. V '*■ HER HOUSE FIRED INTO AND PAPERS REMOVED. * HERSELF, SON AND MAID ARRESTED. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). LONDON, May 12. Mistress Skeffington states that on the day following her husband's "death, the military surrounded her house and fired through the front v.inflows. They then burst in and placed herself, her son of seven, and a maid rimder arrest. They ransacked the house and removed books and papers. i" :.l fir ..

NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE. GREAT FAVOURITES WITH THE FRENCH. THE MAORIS ARE AN INTERESTING STUDY. (Reed. 10.35 a.m.). LONDON, May 12. \ A correspondent at British Headquarters states that never since the first British Expeditionary Force secretly entered France has there been a less obtrusive entry than that of the Anzacs. But they have already accomplished a record of quick popularity with country folk, among whom they are billeted. Apart from the claims for admiration owing to physique and th e coquettish hats which have proved a particular charm for village maidens, Anzacs appeal to the inhabitants' hearts, because they have travelled thousands of miles to fight for them. The Anzacs now know that Germans are tougher customers than Abraham and Abdul. On his side the Boche doubtless has conceived a much enhanced respect for the Anzacs. All German atempts to shake the Anzacs' spirfts by alternately cajoling and straffing ended distinctly in favour of the Anzacs already. The Maori warriors are parabled among children for their good humour and liberality ,and the chocolate shops are a real study. It is interesting to observe how thoroughly th e soldiers and youngsters understand one another, despite linguistic shortcomings. The Anzacs are unanimous in stating they are having a "good time." "We are amongst real people," said a New Zeaalnder, in contrasting his present existence with his experience on the pent up'acres of baked Turkish soil. General Birdwood, who incessantly moves about, gives one the impression that he really knows every man individually.

SEVEN MILLIONS PAID ON ] WAR DEATHS. EY VARIOUS INSURANCE COMPANIES. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). LONDON, May 12. It is estimated that British, Colonial and American life companies have paid seven millions in respect to war death claims. ! UNION JACK ON EMPIRE DAY TO BE FLOWN FROM ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS. (Reed. 9.30 a.m.). LONDON, May 12. In the House of Commons Mr. Asquith said the Government was causing the Union Jack to be flown from public buildings on Empire Day, and he hoped the example will be followed. | GERMAN VAIN ATTEMPTS. TO RECAPTURE POSITIONS ON MORT HOMME. s (Reed. 11.10 a.m.). PARIS, May 12. A communique states: The Germans, during the night, twice vainly attempted to recapture positions oh the western slopes of Mort Homme. i GREAT JEWEL ROBBERY. - THE THIEVES ESCAPE. (Reed. 11.10 a.m.). LONDON, May 12. Jewellery worth £BOOO was' stolen from a cloakroom at New Street Station, Birmingham, It is believed that a confederate placed it in a trunk containing another thief in the cloak room. The thief escaped by the same device, after securing the jewel case. MR ASQUITH IN IRELAND. VISITS SCENES OF DISTURBANCE. (Reed. 11.10 a.m.). LONDON, May 11. Mr. Asquith arrived at Kingstown early this morning and drove to the vice regal lodge, via many of the principal areas of disturbances. He saw Sackville Street and Four Courts. SUBMARINES OVERESTI. MATED. ADMISSIONS BY HOLLfWEG. . IN THE GERMAN REICHSTAG. . WE CANNOT STARVE ENGLAND. GERMAN FEARS OF AMERICA. "WE MUST KEEP PEACE." ' BERNE, May 12. Count von B'ethmann-Hollweg, during a secret debate in the Reichstag on the 7th, on the reply to America, admitted the Governmnt strongly ]y wishd to inform America to mind its own business, but poliltcal considerations overcame patriotic zeal. An overwhelming majority of experts counselled prudence. The advantages of unrestricted submarine warfare • did not balance the disadvantages of 1 the Avar. A great error was committed in overstating the value of submarines against England's Navy. It was no longer believed possible to starve England. ■ It was folly to underestimate the consequences of war with America. Germany possessed information that other nations would join America. The Government was convinced of the necessity of keeping peace. The reply was worded so as to reserve liberty of action If the situation changed, Germany might cancel the concession to America and "esume unrestricted sinking. The Chancellor's condemnation of over-estimating submarine efficacy ' was aimed at Admiral von Tirpitz. t

HUGHES AND MACKENZIE. TO BE HONOURED AT BRISTOL. (Reed. 11.10 a.m.). LONDON, May 12. Mr. Hughes and the Hon. Mr. Mackenzie are to receive the freedom of the City of Bristol on the 20th. SHACKLETON RELIEF. A SHIP SECURED. SAILS IN SEPTEMBER. LONDON, May 11. The Evening Standard states that the Government has secured a ship to succour Shackleton. It sails from England in September for the Weddell Sea. MR HUGHES RECEIVES INVITATION. TO VISIT CAPETOWN. LONDON, May 11. Mr .Hughes has received an invitation to call at Capetown on his return journey. H e will probably accept. AN LABOUR.. : ;: I NOW IS LABOUR'S HOUR. : uyi LONDON, May 10. Mr. Hughes, speaking at Queen's Hall, delivered the longest speech since his arrival. He made a powerful appeal for the organisation of industries and exhorted Labour ;to riseup and take'its rightful place in the conduct of the war and in the government after the war. Now was Labour's hour to show ■ its mettle, and its opportunity and prove itself worthy, capable and willing to govern. The nation looked expectantly and hopefully to Labour to step boldly fortli in the great crisis in the welfare o fthe race and which demands a national policy. Let Labour rise nobly and fearlessly and take its place on the quarterdeck of the ship of State. ANOTHER GERMAN ATTACK REPULSED. PARIS, May 11. A communique says:— A strong enemy attack in the vicinity of Hill 287 was completely repulsed. We occupied some elements of a German trench west of Morthomme. GERMAN DESTROYER DAMAGED. SEVERELY HANDLED BY BRITISHERS. AMSTERDAM, May 11. The "Telegraaf" says a German destroyer returned to Zeebrugge severely damaged in an action with Britishers on the sth inst. Her funnels and mast were shot away. GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE. WAR COUNCIL MATURING PLANS. ! LONDON, May 11. ■ A Berlin message says that the War Council is maturing a great offensive. Hindenburg, Mackenzen, Von Sanders, Von Buelow, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, the Austrian Archduke and other commanders are attending. GALLANT RUSSIAN RESERVISTS. PTROGRAD, May J2. A communique says: — During the fighting west of Ashkalin, the Turks surrounded and prisonered a detachment of reservists. The latter, undfcT non-com. leadership, attacked and vanquishd the Turkish escort and rejoined their regiment. A. cable to-day states that the Military i Bill has passed the Committee stages in j he rdtish Parliament.

ASQUITH GOES TO IRELAND. « ANOTHER NATIONALIST APPEEAL. FOR- THE CESSATION OF EXECUTIONS. EMBITTERING, THE COUNTRY. DUBLIN CLUB INFLUENCE. (Received 2.40 p.m. LONDON, May 11. Mr Asquith is going to Ireland immediately to consult with the civil and ' military authorities. i In the House of Commons Mr Asquith said that the civilian casualties in Ireland totalled ISO killed and (514 wounded. Mr Dillon moved that the Government make a full statement of its intentions concerning the continuance of executions and martial law. Referring to Skeffington he asked how could the populace be blamed for believing that dozens had been secretly shot in the barracks? The stories of executions were embittering the country, and the actions of the military searchers and the arrests were transferring loyal into disloyal subjects, loosing a river of blood between the races when they were almost brought togther. Ireland was largely in the hands of the clubs of Dublin. These influenced the military authorities. The clubs talked of rebellion as the best thing tlnyt evjr happened, bringing in martial law and ending for ever the rotten Nationalist party. If that programme to be enforced the Government would require a hundred thousand to garrison the country.

The rebels were foolish, but he was proud of them. A member cried, 'Now you -have shown your hand."

Mr, Dillon proceeding said that the rebels were victims of misdirected enthusiasm they fought cleanly and superbly.

To a further in terruption Mr Dillon said 'lt would be a damn good thing if your soldiers were able to fight similar 1 three thousand against twenty thousand and artillery." He appealed to the Government to abolish martial law and te executions. i IN FLANDERS. GERMANS' UNSUCCESSFUL EFFORTS. i . ' .LONDON, May 12. Sir Douglas Haig reports: : The enemy unsuccessfully attempted to raid our trenches near Ovillers on Wednesday night. A severe mutual bombardment developed at Hohenzollern on Thursday afternoon. JOFFRE'S SOLEMN WARNING PARIS, May 12. Official. —General Joffre on February 24th issued a warning that any officer ordering a retirement at Verdun would be court-martialled. GERMANS BOMBARDING FRENCH. PARIS, May 12. A communique says: The enemy is violently bombarding our positions at Bois de Caillette and our second lines on the right bank of the Meuse. ITALIAN CAMPAIGN. STRONG POSITION CAPTUREED. Received 2.5 a.m., May 13. ROME, May 12. A communique ays: — Alpini, by a vigorous assault, captured a strongly fortified trench and redoubts on the summit of Mount Kukla . On the slope east of Mount Rembin a large amount of material was captured. GREAT FIRE AT HAMBURG DOCKS. IMPORTANT DAMAGE DONE. COPEENHAGEEN, May 12. A great fire at Hamburg docks destroyed two large warehouses and three steamers. FLOODS IN SOUTH AFRICA CAPETOWN, May 11. A disastrous drought in the Midland districts has broken up. It has been followed by floods. Railways, homesteads, dams and live stock have been swept away. It is reported that forty lives have been lost, mostly in Gaintoos Valley.

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REVOLUTIONARY AFTERMATH. .. A DRAMATIC ANNOUNCEMENT. J MR. ASQUITH SHOULDERS THE ! TROUBLE. LONDON, May 11. Mr. Asquith's dramatic announcement that he was going to Ireland took the sting out of the attack on the Government;. The '.inoident recalled the Premier's sensational decision to take over the War Office at the time of the Ulster trouble. - Mr. Asquith agreed that the great body of the insurgents fought bravely, and conducted themselves with humanity, 'their conduct contrasting most favourable with our civilised enemies in the field. The position in Ireland was now more satisfactory. The Government had the greatest confidence in General Maxwell's discretion to conduct delicate and difficult jurisdiction.; Ireland! could not jreimain under martial law. Mr. Asquith said he had come to the conclusion that it was his duty to go to Ireland without delay, not to supersede the Executive, but to consult the civil and military authorities in order to arrive at an arrangement for the ! future, which would commend itself to the general sense of the Irish and other parties in the House. THE EXECUTIONS JUSTIFIED. LONDON, May 11. Mr. Asquith emphasised the Government's desire to allay bitterness and appealed for a greater feeling of tiympathy between all parties. Infinite mischief could be done by-a word calculated to obstruct and impair a chance of a happy and desirable con- ! summation. It was . quite true that nine out of ten Irishmen were on the side of law. .When it was remembered that the casualties amonig ?t!he military and the civic population were 1315, including 304 kiled, sympathies ought to be entirely monopolised by the unfortunate and misguided victims of the unhappy and criminal insurrection. Mr Asquith explained the principal death sentences. He said that five out of seven who were shot signed the proclamation and seven others commanded the rebels. The third class consisted of murderers, of whom only there was one. The death sentences ; of two other signatories to- the Proclamation were confirmed. Of these one took a most active part in the rebellion. -Tt would be unfair' to accord' these men preferential treatment, as five of their comrades had been properly executed. Therefore he did not I see why he should interfere with General Maxwell's decision. As far as ■ he knew, there was no reason to resort to the extreme penalty in other cases, unless it was a case of murder when the trial would take 'place in open court.

MR. HEALY'S INDICTMENT. LONDON, May 12. Mr. Healy oongratulatejd Mr. Asquith on his decision. Those governing Ireland had been grossly misled, and by some of his own countrymen. Others besides Sinn Peiners might well be called to account. The rising was grossly exaggerated and was suppressed without military skill and colossal loss of life and property. TRAITORS EXPELLED. LONDON, May 12. Lord Lansdowne, in the House of 'Lords, said Sinn Feiners in the Government employ had been discharged. It was not intended to allow arms in Ireland without a license. Martial law would /continue until there was perfect security. Lord Loreburn's motion was agreed to without a division. MUCH EXCITEMENT IN THE COMMONS. RUMOURED SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS. LONDON, May 11. There was much excitement in the House of Commons. Nationalists and Ulstermen were in full force, particularly as there were reports that negotiations were afoot in which Sir E. Carson and Mr. Redmond were participating, to setting the whole Irish question. The rumour may be premature, but many think the temper of moderate Commoners is suitable for a settlement for the first time in a century. LORD LANDSDOWNE SPEAKS OUT A STAB IN THE BACK. LONDON, May 12. Lord Lansdowne said the rebellion was one of the most discreditable and humiliating episodes in the recent history of Ireland. It was a stab in the back instigated by foreign intrigue, and, to some extent paid for by the money of enemies. Had the rebellion not miscarried at the outset he was convinced the rebels would have flecked to the Standard. Regarding blame, it was unfair to make a scapegoat of Mr. Birrell.

THE PREMIER QUESTIONED. LONDON, May 11. Hon. Samuel and Mr. Asquith, were sharply questioned regarding the executions, particularly that of Skeffington, whom, a section of the newspapers are magnifying into a hero who was working desperately to stop the fighting. Mr. Tennant said 1706 had been deported and "there had been fourteen executions. MR DILLON CAUSES A SENSATION LONDON, May 10. Mr. Dillon immediately accused the | Government of not keeping its proj mise that there would be no further executions pending the debate. Mr. Asquith later explained that there had been only thirteen executions. A telling passage in Mr. Dillon's impassioned speech was where he narrated that a number cf rebels were asked to give evidence against their; comrades. A boy of 15 refused. An." officer said, "You will be shot." The boy replied, "Shoot away." (Nationalist cheers). The boy was blindfolded, put against a wall and made to hear the click of revolvers. Finally, h© was asked to answer, but he replied, ; "Now shoot." The troops were relieved, and the bandage was taken' off. Mr. Dillon added: "This is dam- ■ nable. The House ought to be asham- ! ed." j Mr. Dillon added: "My son, aged 17, asked permission to enlist in the , Army. I consented, but I will never do so now." | Mr. Dillon moved that the Government make a full statement as to its intentions concerning the continuace of executions and martial law. Referring to the Skeffington affair, he asked, how could the populace be blamed for believing that dozens had been secretly shot in the barracks. The stories of executions were embittering the country, and the action of . the 'military searchers should be arrested. They were transferring loyal into disloyal subjects, and loosing a 1 river of blood between the races when they had almost been brought together. Ireland was largely in the hands of the clubs in Dublin, as these influenced the military authorities. The ' clubs talked about the rebellion as being the best thing which ever happened in bring martial law and ending for ever the rotten Nationalist party. If the programme was to be enforced it would require 100,000 men to garrison the country. -{lrish cheers). The rebels: had been foolish, but he was proud of them. Ai member cried —New you have, shown your hand! •*",; i Mr. Dillon, proceeding, said the rebels: were the victims of misdirected enthusiasm. They had fought cleanly, and superbly. ( These words caused a further interruption. Mr. Dillon said —"It would be a damn good thing if your soldiers were ; ■ able to fight similarly. Three thou- ; sand against 20,0,00, with artillery!" |He concluded by appealing to the Government to abolish martial law i and executions. 1 MR DILLON'S MOTION LOST. '" LONDON, May 11. Mr. Dillon's motion was negatived without a division being taken. j GENERAL MAXWELL'S REPORT. LONDON, May 11. General Maxwell reports that the j Dublin court-martial on active participants furnished by provincials is proceeding. In view of the gravity of the rebellion, the German support and the loss of life and property, it has been imperative to inflict most severe sentences on the organisers of the active fighters in a detestable rising. He hoped the sentences would deter j intriguers. The murder of the King's subjects could not be tolerated. 200 MORE CORPSES. LONDON, May 11. Two hundred corpses were found in the ruins of rooms, on roofs, in chimneys, in yards and in lanes in Dublin.