FEAR OF A RIOT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1920, Page 5

FEAR OF A RIOT.

THE COMING OF MANNIX. OPPOSING FACTIONS AT LIVERPOOL BJ Telezraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. . Received August 7, 5.5 p.m, I London, August 6. There is a possibility of a riot at Liverpool. Anti-Sinn Feiners are likely to provide a counter-demonstration if the processions come into collision, and the trouble will probably be more acute if Archbishop Mannix does not appear, because the Sinn Fein.ers will then feel themselves foiled. There are 110 indications that the police and the troops in Liverpool have been strengthened in preparation fdx the Baltic's arrival on Sunday, which probably means that Archbishop Mannix will not be permitted to land.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asbd, ARRANGING THE WELCOME. PREPARATIONS AT LIVERPOOL. Received August 7, 5.5 p.m. London, August 6. Mr. Kelly, president of the Liverpool Irish Self-Determiuation League, informed the Australian Press Association that if the Baltic arrives during the k daytime, Archbishop Mannix will be welcomed by thirty thousand Irishmen, including five thousand from Manchester. The Lord Mayor and Corporation of Dublin will reach Liverpool to-morrow, when the freedom of Dublin will probably be conferred. Numerous societies will present addresses. The procession from the wharf will include Sinn Fein clubs, the Gaelic League, Foresters, the Dockers' Union, hundreds of Sinn Fein flags, ,and five brasß bands. Archbishop Mannix will be invited to address a public meeting,—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Afem. WATCH AGAINST SURPRISE. THE BALTIC MAY BE DIVERTED. Received August 8, 5.5' p.m. London, August 6. The Admiralty has ordered a strict watch on South Ireland to prevent a tug approaching the Baltic, and attempting to land Archbishop Mannix in Ireland. Destroyers are patrolling the south coast in readiness to act. It is now suggested the Baltic may be diverted to 'Southampton, in view of the police apprehension of disorders in Liverpool.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WILL HE LAND? OFFICIAL ACTION NOT DISCLOSED. RETURN TO AMERICA SUGGESTED. Received August 8, 5.5 p.m. London, August 7. The Liverpool Courier states that local 1 church dignitaries will not participate in Archbishop Mannix's welcome. Archbishop Mannix's arrival will be at n, particularly inopportune moment for Ireland's peace, and it increases the Government's anxiety by stimulating demonstrations of disloyalty. Archbishop Mannnix has not sent a message to Ireland regarding his intentions. Nevertheless Siun Feiners aTe hailing him as the hero of -their cause The Government's precautionary measures are prompted by a belief that Archbishop Mannix's presence will complicate an already inflamed situation, resulting in bloodshed. Legal authorities are engaged in a controversy whether it is lawful to prevent a Brituh subject to return to his native land, despite his utterances, which are considered mischievous. It is understood the action was taken under the Defence of the Realm Act, which the Archbishop considers should have been abandoned when peace was achieved. Australian circles attribute the Government's firm measures, from which they are not receding, to Mr. Hughes' direct communications. ♦, Some newspapers take the view that there is less likelihood of trouble if Archbishop Mannix is permitted to land unhindered. It is not yet disclosed whether the police have been instructed to prevent a landing at Liverpool, where the most intense excitement among the large Irish population grows daily. Irishmen fear that the Government will trick them at the last' moment, allowing the Baltic to berth normally, but only after Archbishop Mannix has been transferred to another ship, possibly a destroyer, which will take him to another port, or place him on board an outward-bound finer to America.—Aus.-N.Z. "Cable Assn. * i

WIRELESS UNANSWERED. A REMARKABLE STORY. Received August 8, 11.30 p.m. London, August 7 ' Wireless messages to Archbishop Mannix from Dublin remain unanswered. It is believed' the authorities have prohibited communication with the Baltic. Sinn Fein flags are already appearing as part of the street decorations in Liverpool, The arrival of the Lord Mayor of Dublin will 'be utilised as a kind of full dress rehearsal for Archbishop Mannix. A story has gained credence at Cork that Archbishop Mannix may nqt be on board the Baltic. It is stated that while an impersonator at New York received homage on board the Baltic, Archbishop Mannix left by another steamer. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asßn.

ATTITUDE OF THE VATICAN. NO INTERFERENCE MADE. AN APPEAL TO SINN FEIN. Received August 8, 5.5 p.m. ' ' New York, August 7. The Rome correspondent of the New York American interviewed Cardinal Gasparri, Papal secretary, who said the Holy See is opposed to violence in any form, whether manifested verbally or bloodily. No cause, however good or holy, can he served by the systematic breaking of law and the murder of innocent people. liish Bishops, on their own initiative, had repeatedly appealed to Sinn Feiners for moderation and a Christian spirit, but With scant success. He added: "It is not surprising that Archbishop Mannix should have created such a stir in the United States, where the Irish element is so numerous. He has a handsome and engaging personality, and is gifted with impassioned eloguence. The Vatican luu net tak,w

J any steps to curb Archbishop Mannix's political utterances, and will continue to give full liberty to Bishops and clergy as long a 9 they respect their religious duty. Ireland is not the only country where people are at loggerheads. The same thing is happening in several new-ly-formed States, where the Bishops and clergy are also taking a prominent part in the struggle. The British Government, on the other hand, adopted a purely precautionary measure in debarring Archbishop Mannix from Ireland, as his landing there might lead to a renewal of riots and disorders." r It is imderstoM the Archbishop will land at Liverpool, and proceed straight to Rome, and report to the Holy Father there. There is no truth in the statement that when Mr. Balfour visited the | Vatican he asked the Pope 'to exert his influence with the Bishops and clergy to condemn the Sinn Fein movement. Mr. Balfour is too experienced a statesman to be guilty of such an error of judgment.— Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn.