The Government of the Irish Free State seem at last
to have recognised that, in view of the disturbed state of the country, their soldiership must be not prattle but practice. Last week the disoussion of the Constitution Bill in Committee was sus- pended whilst the Government Introduced an emergency zaotioa
for setting up special military courts to try persons accused of taking part in any attack on the national forces, of looting or arson, of possessing arms without proper authority, or of "the breach of any general other or regulation made by the Army authorities." The important feature of this measure is that it empowers the military courts to inflict the death penalty at their discretion for such offences. Mr. Cosgrave, justifying this drastic measure, said that, if the irregular forces were not suppressed, "the liberties of the people would be entirely at the mercy of the gun." Next day the resolution was passed by 47 votes to 15. Having given the Republicans time to consider this development in the situation, the Free State Government on Tuesday night issued a proclamation offering a full amnesty to all offenders who surrender and hand in their arms on or before October 15th.
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