Mr. MaoSwiney was condemned to two years' imprisonment for his
crimes. He had.refused food from the time of his arrest. When we write on Thursday he has fasted for fourteen days and is in a serious condition. If his protest were against an attempt to force him to give away accomplices, or if he were being in any way compelled to do violence to his conscience, we could not possibly support Mr. Lloyd George in his refusal to consider release. But as it is we thoroughly agree with Mr. Lloyd George that if Mr. MacSwiney were released the law would break down altogether. Do those who demand Mr. MacSwiney's release seriously believe that if other criminals, say murderers or burglars, were to go on hunger strike, they should be automatic- ally released in order to commit more murders and more burglaries ? The truth is, that Mr. MacSwiney, to his other crimes, is trying to add the crime—legally recognized as such— of committing suicide.
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