MASTERLY INACTIVITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1916, Page 4

MASTERLY INACTIVITY.

As the details concerning the Sinn Fein rebellion in Dublin come to liglit tliev an ever increasing indictment against; those who are responsible for law and order in Ireland. It is almost inconceivable tint this siltbreak should have bsen allowed ta mature, and still more luarvellaus Hut the rebels should have been enabled to take possession of the public and private buildings as well as to barricade the streets. Nothing but a masterly policy of inactivity can account for the failure to nip, the trouble in the bad. Apparently the hatching of the rebellion went on immediately under the eyes of the authorities, warnings of what was about to happen being treated with riaicnle. It was soon evident, however, that the rebellion was not only well organised, but that the details had been arranged with considerable tactical skill. Surprise will rrcwufr* 1 'je *t

the fact that the rebels number some 12,000, and that they are well armed and equipped for their traitorous work. That armed, uniformed Sina Feincrs should walk about Dublin all Monday unnoticed by the authorities indicates there is unpardonable laxity where there should be stern vigilance and promptitude of action in coping with trouble. The story which appears in to-day's cables is a scathing condemnation of the gress neglect and unpreparedness of the authorities, as the result »f which many valuable lives have been sacrificed, * vast amount of property destroyed (wholly or in part), while looting and incendiarism have been added to the terrorism which the rebels have instituted. For twenty-four hours Dublin Castle was assaulted though the rebels wore nimble to progress beyond the forecourt. Of course the outbreak will be suppressed in time, but that it should have been allowed to materialise is a distiact slur on British rule. An example should be made of all incompetent and somnolent officials whose duty it was to know what was going oil and nip the rising in the bud. A stigma attaches to the whole of the Irish Administration from the Lord Lieutenant downwards, and the loyal public will not be satisfied until the blame for inactivity is fixed on the right shoulders, while the necessary steps must be taken to prevent any similar uprising in the future.