DEATH FOR REBELS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1922, Page 5

DEATH FOR REBELS.

SEVERE IRISH METHODS. A LEADER ON TRIAL. APPEAL BY DE VALERA. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 17. The Irish rebels report that Erskine Childers, an associate of de Valera, will be tried for his life to-day before the new Military Court. Received Nov. 19, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 18. The trial of Erskine Childers has opened at Portobello Barracks, Dublin. The prisoner was represented by counsel. The proceedings were private. The charge, which was of being in unlawful possession of an automatic pistol, has concluded. Accused claimed belligerent status as 't republican prisoner of war, but the Court overruled the objections. Counsel claimed that under the international red cross civil prisoners of war were entitled to prisoner of war treatment. He then withdrew from the case. De Valera, appealing on behalf of Childers, says the crime contemplated will make Irishmen world-wide hang their heads with shame. He added: “If Childers is shot by Irishmen at England’s bidding, we shall be condemned to be the slaves of slaves and shall not be left with an answer.” STERN MEASURES. EXECUTION OF REBELS. MENACE TO PEACE. London, Nov. 17. It is officially announced that four young men were executed at Dublin this morning after trial by a Military Court for being in possession of revolvers and ammunition. Received Nov. 19, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 18. Tn Dail Eireann, Mr. Mulcahy, justifying the execution of four Republicans, said no doubt the news would shock the people, but it was necessary to shock the country into a realisation of what a grave thing it is to take human life. The Republicans executed were found in the streets of Dublin carrying loaded revolvers, waiting to take tho lives of other men. “We are faced with eradication by a state of-affairs in which hundreds of men are daily trying to take the lives of others,” added Mr. Mulcahy. “The Government is convinced that unless they take stern measures they will not throw back the tide of lawlessness, lust and loot. Every man who goes about with a revolver seeking the lives of others must face the fact that he has thereby forfeited his own life.” (Applause). ‘ WOMAN’S PASSIVE PROTEST. Received Nov. 19. 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. IS. While Mary MacSwiney hunger strikes at Mountjoy, her sister Annie has begun a fasting vigil outside the prison as a protest against the authorities’ refusal to allow her to see Mary. She says a hosepipe was turned on her. Relays' of women are supporting her.