The tragi-farcical " revolution " in Limerick, which has developed
gradually, is apparently the joint invention of Sinn Fein and the Irish Labour Party, who are determined to organize a general strike throughout Ireland at the close of a period of unexampled war-time prosperity that would otherwise have passed smoothly into the local plenty not always associated with peace. In Limerick Workhouse an attempt to rescue a Sinn Fein prisoner resulted in his death, and that of a man in charge of him. Martial law followed ; but the military authority wisely offered a general permit for workmen in factories across the Shannon. This was far too sensible a situation to please the local Bolsheviks ; so the Trade Unions called a general strike, " took over" the city—and even hewed paper money, guaranteed by the workers of Limerick. Tho shopkeepers have to obey the Bolsheviks or be boycotted. The disturbers' aim of a general strike will probably be frustrated by the greatest enemy of strikes—plenty of well-paid work.
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