The papers of Thursday published a statement from Mr. Lloyd
George about Mr. MaeSwiney, Lord Mayor of Cork. who is hunger-striking in Brixton gaol. Mr. Lloyd George's remarks admirably express the logic of his position in returning to release Mr. MacSwiney, while they display the concern and deep regret which must be felt by every humane person. There was much to be said for releasing hunger-striking prisoners who had not been tried, but Mr. MacSwiney's position is quite different. He was convicted of having in his possession a secret police cypher which could be of no use to anybody except for the purpose of abetting the campaign of murder against the police in Ireland. Moreover, the meeting which was the original cause of Mr. MacSwiney's arrest was a gathering of the officers of the Cork. Brigade of the Irish Republican Army—a meeting of men engaged in treason against the Crown. In many other countries a man convicted on such charges would be shot.
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