CONDITIONS IN IRELAND.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17617, 21 November 1922, Page 7

CONDITIONS IN IRELAND.

ULSTER AND THE FREE STATE.

MELBOUBNE PBOFESSOB'S IMPRESSIONS. (By Cable-Press AMoci»tion-CoP7rje|«*-> (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON. November 19. Professor W. A. Osborne, of Melbourne, and a native of County Down, relating his impressions of a visit to Ireland, said that Ulster was still showing traces of the old evil days, but, except for sporadic activities by Southern gunmen, she maintains law and order. The TJlstermen's traditional wish to be left alone was never stronger than to-day. The appearance of Belfast is almost normal. Only armed guards on public buildings chow that the fear of the old enemy exists. Unemployment is rife, but has been relieved somewhat by the formation ot huge police establishments. The future of the shipbuilding yards is doubtful. They exist in defiance of ordinary economic laws. Every ton of iron and coal is imported. Wages are high, and only the well-desifined plant and workmen's extraordinary ability sustain the industry. There is no general desiro for the permanence of a separate government for Ulster. The hope is constantly expressed that the British connexion will be re-established. Parliament eits in the Presbyterian College, and no Ulsterman wants a penny spent on new Parliament buildings.

Harrowing poverty was lees apparent in Dublin than on his formei -visits, said Professor Osborne. The slum children seemed better clothed' and nourished, and were cleaner. A visit to the Dail Eireann left a pleasant impression. The debates were conducted with dignity and with an attention to syntactical precision of speech which other Legislatures might well imitate.

Mr W. T. Cosgrave (President of the Dail Eireann) and Mr Kevin O'Higgins (Minister of Home Affairs) struck him as earnest men, endeavouring to do their best. General Mulcahy's utterances and demeanour were restrained, but his acts did not proclaim him a strong man. In Dublin the nights were lively with firing and bombing. It is said that country Republicans reproach their city friends with slackness. The latter thereupon .make as much noise as posble. There is a battle with paint, chalk, and tar, with which public buildings are disfigured. Rebel enthusiasts paint up the word "Republic" about the city in great letters. The next day it is tarred over by Free Staters. The next night the same word is painted over the tar in red', and so on. Even gravestones are not spared in this wordy, warfare. A remarkablfe feature of Dublin life is the number of educated women among the extreme Republicans. They give the impression that they would oheerfully die for their cause. Even religion comes second to their misguided patriotism; ~.,. In % the north-west and extreme south of Ireland there is a state of wild lawlessness. Free Staters and Republicans alike harry the Donegal Protestants' processions. They consider firing on the Ulsterman rather'a good joke. Paintings punctured by bullets, and upholstery wantonly slashed with knives, are common sights in Londonderry salerooms., The impression is general that the Free Staters are not gaining the upper hand over the Republicans.

MacSWINEY HUNGER-STRIKE. A PROTEST TO THE POPE.

ftJnited Service*)

LONDON, November 18

The hunger-strike of the sisters MacSwiney continues. Mary, who is' inside the prison, has not eaten for IS days. Annie remains outside the prison. Sha is not taking food, but iB praying. She is watched by hundreds. . , [An earlier message said: While Mary MacSwiney hunger-strikes at Mount]oy, her sister Annie has begun a fasting vigil outside the prison, as a protest against the refusal of the authorities to allow her to see Mary. She says a hosepipe was turned on her. Relays of women are supporting her.] (Keuter's TelegTame.) WASHINGTON, November 19. The American. Association for the recognition of the Irish Republic has cabled the Pope, stating: "Libertyloving people throughout the world view with consternation and horror your permitting Irish clergy to refuse the Sacrament to Mary MacSwiney, moral force, thus outlawed, leaving no alternative except physical force."

REBEL GUNMEN.

TRIAL Or EESKINE CffILDEBS.

(United Serrioe.)

LONDON. November 18,

The trial of Erskine ChMers, on a charge of being in illegal possession of arms, has ended. The finding will be promulgated later.

HOIST WITH THEIR OWN PETABD.

LONDON, November 18.

A large road mine carried by a party of men near Inchicore suddenly exploded. Three of the men were blown to pieces, and three were shockingly wounded. It is believed the mine was intended for an ambush on a road frequently used by the National troops. A party of troops returning to barracks reached the scene soon afterwards and rendered aid. The shock of the explosion was felt in the village, and many were rendered temporarily deaf.

STBEET SHOOTING INT DUBLIN.

L -, « L 9? DON ' November 19. whO© Mrs Macßride was addressing

(Continued at foot of next column.)

a meeting in O'Connell street, Dublin, concerning the treatment of prisoners, shots were fired, and six persons were wounded, including two girls. PREE STATE GUARDS ATTACKED. (Australian and N.&. Cable Association.) (Received November 20th, 7.65 p.m.) LONDON, November 19. Republicans vigorously attacked the Free State civic guards at Loughglynn, Roscommon. The guards, Laving no weapons, could not offer resistance. The Republicans allowed them twtnty hours to leave, and'looted the barracks, removing all accoutrements. At Belfinamore the guards were stripped of their uniforms, and bedding was stolen from the barracks.