ANOTHER OUTRAGE IN IRELAND ON THE UNION FLAG.
[To THE EDITOR 017 THE " SPECTATOR:I
Sin,—You kindly published a letter from me drawing atten- tion to the outrage on an Irish Presbyterian Sunday School excursion because they carried the Union Jack amongst their banners. This outrage on women and children by an armed party of the Ancient Order of Hibernians provoked the wrath of manly working men in the Belfast shipyards, and a great outcry was raised against their " bigotry" for testifying in a rough-and-ready way against barbarous cruelty to women and children. You may remember the defence was daring denial of the facts and suppression of evidence at the trial ; but the truth was so plain punishment was awarded. Then the King's representative exercised his powers in favour of the cowards,
and they were set free before expiration of sentence, through party influence. Such administration has natural con- sequences. I ask leave to give you latest example, which took
place a few days ago. The Cripples' Institution in Belfast is one of those of which we are all proud Annually they have an excursion. Owners of motor•-cars lend them, and Lord and Lady Londonderry provide entertainment at their beautiful home near Newtownards. On returning from this place one of the cars was attacked. I quote from a letter just received from a reliable friend, which speaks for itself :—
" I had charge of one of the cars. It had three flags—two Union Jacks, and a small one with the words 'Cripples' Outing' and a number on it. A young man, Mr. Wotherspoon (an enter- tainer), the driver, and myself and four cripples were the party in this car. I had to leave for another engagement, so Mr. Wotherspoon took charge of the car home. The four cripples were Catholics ; three of them live in Albert Street, and the fourth in Leeson Street. Mr. W. had this last on his knee, going to leave it at home, when a party of roughs rushed round a corner, tore down the Union Jacks, and tore them into ribbons, while others beat the driver and others beat Mr. W.: he, having the cripple on his knee, could not well defend himself. He got a bad blow on the back of the head, but went to a doctor, and is better now."
How long is this to be allowed P How much does it require to justify retaliation ? We women especially appeal to the
manhood of England to secure respect for the flag of freedom and the helpless who cling to it.—I am, Sir, &c.,
TOM WOTEERSPOON, 12 Klondyke Street, Belfast.
Signed in presence of Mrs. Sinclair and Morris St. Clair, who had charge of car, but not in it when attacked.
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