IRISHMAN KIDNAPPED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIII, Issue 9787, 1 February 1923, Page 5

IRISHMAN KIDNAPPED

FREE STATE PROCLAMATION A THREAT OF REPRISAL. BELIEVED TO MEAN EXECUTION. (Per Press Association, Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, January 31. While walking with his wife in Sutton, Mayo, Senator Bagwell was kidnapped by armed men and driven away in a taxi. The Free State authorities have issued a proclamation that if Mr Bagwell is not safely returned within 48 hours punitive measures will be taken against the kidnappers' associates. This is generally interpreted to mean executions.

After ordering the Earl of Mayo and his family and servants to leave Palmerstown, his beautiful residence at Straff on, in County Kildare, rebels completely destroyed the building by fire, only allowing the family pictures and art treasures to be removed.

Irregulars burned Milestown House, a valuable mansion in Louth, with its valuable contents. The occupants were ordered out by the raiders. NEW YORK, January 31. , According to a message from son, Wisconsin, Count Plunkett, who is leaving to-day on his return to Ireland, declared he was glad his house was destroyed' rather than some poor man's one-room dwelling. He expressed satisfaction that no one was injured, but said he could'not see any political significance in the ; destruction of his home. r ' '.- i " r .-; '■•'' v ' : : -