It is a common complaint on the part of those
who would be willing, if possible, to draw a distinction between the more or less open Sinn Fein organizations and the secret societies of assassins, that the Sinn Fein authorities, with their so-called Parliament, Dail Eireann, have never denounced assassination. Now a further stage has been reached. So far from repudiating the foul deeds of the gunmen, the Sinn Fein authorities accept them, make themselves responsible for them, and abide by them. This at least is the truth, if we may believe a Sum Fein organ which bears the title of Old Ireland. A very important question is raised ; for it would be a ludicrous dereliction of duty on the part of the Government, if the responsibility for the work of tho gunmen can be established, to allow any acknow- ledged Sinn Fein leader who has hitherto been treated with tolerance to go free.
