THE IRISH REBELLION.
[To rue EDITOR or Tat " SPECTATOR.")
Snt,—It is interesting to see that politicians in England are now turning their attention to matters which people who have lived in Ireland and watched the progress of events have been familiar with for years. Apparently Mt. Lloyd George has begun to realize that the refusal of every possible form of Irish Government (whether it is called Home Rule or Republican) to pay anything towards the War Loan will place England in on uncomfortable position. Captain Wedgwood Benn inquires who has suggested an Irish Navy. It is hard to say who first suggested it; but the outlines of the scheme were explained by the Rev. Father O'Flanagan (an influential and eloquent priest) in a lecture delivered by him in the City Hall at Cork in 1915. The meeting was a crowded one, a large number of priests and local politicians being present; a vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by one priest, seconded by another, and carried enthusiastically. The reverend lecturer explained that he looked forward to seeing Ireland an independent repub- lic in alliance with Germany, able to use the harbours as sub- marine bnses, from which they could rush out and destroy the commerce of England. As to the idea of compelling all the young men of Ireland to serve in the Republican Army, it has already been discussed by some of the county councils. As I am writing, I may add that matters in this country are going on much as usual. Where the English papers got the idea from that people are growing tired of the domination of Sinn Fein and disgusted with the murders I have not the slightest notion. The murders, which are evidently planned by the leaders of the Republican Army, go on the same as ever, and the priests go on urging young men to join that army. It is easy for people living comfortably in England to denounce the cowardice of those who do not come forward to give evidence; but what would-be the use of doing so? For in- stance, supposing that I had recognized the leader of the party who raided my house a few nights ago. If I- were to inform the police and the man were arrested and brought to trial,- his relations would all come and swear that he had never left the house that night. In one sense I could not blame them, as it is.part of their religion that a false oath is justifiable if made for a good cause. The result would be that the man would be acquitted. Then (even if I survived until next year, which would not be probable) the Rome Rule Bill will come into force and the Republican party will form the Government. They have already announced that giving information to the foreign Tyrant is treason against the Republic. and will be punished accordingly; the English Government would not interfere, as my being murdered would be a purely local matter. Local .bOdies are going on passing resolutions.denouncing the bigotry of the people at Belfast in making a matis chance of earning his living depend on his political or religious views. The County Council of Wexford have given notice to their coroner and veterinary surgeon that they will be dismissed unless they resign their offices as justices of the peace; and dis- pensary doctors throughout Nationalist Ireland are receiving
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