The spirit of discontent among the Irish Constabulary, which has
been manifesting itself in little outbursts of various kinds The spirit of discontent among the Irish Constabulary, which has been manifesting itself in little outbursts of various kinds for some weeks past, came to a head last week, on the order for the removal of six Limerick constables to the North,—this order being assumed by the force generally to be the reprisal of the authorities for the part taken by these six men in agitating for better pay. Colonel Bruce was, however, permitted by the Lord-Lieutenant to explain to the Constabulary that the six men ordered to the North were removed, not for the part they had taken iu the agitation, but for refusing to occupy the same quarters with some soldiers with whom they were billeted; and on this explanation, a good deal of the irritation seems to have subsided, five out of the six insubordinate Limerick officers having been dismissed, and the sixth returned to his duty. The discontent, though partially allayed, has, however, by no means subsided, and there is too much reason to fear that the treason- able address to the Constabulary circulated in Ireland in the middle of the week, which exhorts them to be ready for a, revolu- tion, has not been issued without knowing that by some of the force at all events, an appeal of this kind would be listened to in no mood of displeasure. The police force in Ireland has long been badly managed, and, as we explain in another column, sadly needs a thorough-going reorganisation.
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