The polemics still turn upon the death of Arlo, who
died after forcible feeding in Mountjoy Prison. So far as we have read, the Nationalist and Sinn Fein newspapers are deliberately attempting to mix up two very different things—the death of a prisoner from forcible feeding, and the administration of the Defence of the Realm regulations. Tho regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act have nothing whatever to do with Dublin Castle. It is not true that military officers " mete out punishment for anything that Dublin Castle sees fit to label a political offence." Military officers, of course, merely carry out the orders of 'the G.O.C.,.who very naturally decided—how could he have decided otherwise ?— that no one must be allowed to preach sedition, wear an unauthorized uniform, or carry arms. Dublin Castle, we repeat, had nothing whatever to do with this decision. The unfortunate death of Ashe occurred after he had been handed over to the Prisons Board, which, we understand, is composed solely of Irishmen.. The word " Caatle " is Hung-about in Ireland in the most ridioulOus manner conceivable. There is no such thing as " Castle government" in the sense of there being a government of a type peculiar to itself and of some specially pernicious brand. "The Castle" is being blamed for the blunders or misfortunes (whichever they are) of ordinary offiCials—men very much like officials anywhere else—and in the present instance those of all happen to larfrishrnen.
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