IRELAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1922, Page 5

IRELAND.

TERRORISM CONTINUES. TRAINS HELD UP. BOLSHEVIK PROPAGANDA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, April 9. A special train from Dublin to Wexford for Mr. Collins’ pro-treaty meeting at Wexford was held up at Wooden Bridge, in the County of Wicklow. Special correspondents from Dublin, who were on the train, motored to Wexford, the telegraph lines from which had been cut. The railway line beyond Wooden Bridge was torn up. Mr. Collins foiled his opponents in the attempt to -wreck the train in which he was expected to travel, by journeying to Wexford overnight. He addressed a meeting of several thousands, and was not interfered with. He said Ireland was threatened with another long agony. Unless there was an immediate change in the tone nd tactics of the de Valera - ites only a miracle could avert civil war. He appealed to de Valera to consider whither he was leading the nation. The Catholic clergy at masses on Sunday exhorted the people to refrain from acts likely to cause a disturbance. The Republicans continue unrelentingly their murderous campaign against the Free Staters. The latest exploit is a conspiracy to kill Mr. Collins, who was travelling to Wexford. The rebels removed the rails where the line crosses the Avoca River Bridge. The driver’s timely discovery averted a disaster. The railwaymen who were attempting to repair the line were driven off, but the train proceeded later. Other gangs of armed men seized a consignment of bread, saying that the troops must be fed. Four trains were held up elsewhere, and merchandise and newspapers were burnt.

An ex-policeman was murdered at Templemore, and others were fired at and warned to leave the country on the pain of assassination. The Belfast correspondent of the Daily Express paints a startling picture of the conditions southwards of the border. He examined specimens of Bolshevik propaganda with which the Republicans are busy, the most popular text book being ‘‘Communist Internationale.” Communications have ended except between the rebels. Refugees declare that Government has ceased, justice does not function, and life is not valued. The energy of the countryside is absorbed in the creation of armies and the manufacture of war material. Workers have deserted and are deserting offices, shops and farms and joining the rebels. Less than half the land will be cropped during 1922. Mr. de Valera’s following is daily strengthening. APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE. London, April 8. The archbishops and the bishops of i the Church of Ireland have issued a [ manifesto, expressing horror and appre- : hension at the fact that Irish crimes ' are attributed to religious antagonisms. They urge all the Irish people to I practice forbearance.