DEFIANT SINN FEIN OUTBURST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3138, 17 July 1917, Page 5

DEFIANT SINN FEIN OUTBURST

ANYTHING BUT THE UNION JACK

ABSOLUTE INDEPENDENCE

THE AIM

„„ , London, July 15. I lie death of Mr. Patrick U'Brien (M.l\ for Kilkenny City) promises tho bum 1-eiii another victory at Julkenny.

Mr. Devalera (the Sinn I'cin member for East C'lare), speaking to a largo crowd in tho chief thoroughforo of Dublin, said the Irish wouldn't fight for tho blood-stained Union Jack. They had no particular lovo for Germany, but if a foreign nation held out a hand they would grasp it. Such a nation naturally would cxpoct something in return—that was common-sense. The Sinn, Fein programme was one of absolute independence, aiming at equipping the youth of the country and the organisation of the Irish people to prevent tho imposition of unjust taxes.

A crowd at Rallybunion attacked the police barracks and fired shots. The police also'fired and a youth was shot dead.

The "Observer's" special correspondent draws attention to the Sinn Foiners' amazing outspokenness. "Mr. Devalera," he says, "is an unemotional speaker, ; but his words were violent. The Government must adequately and promptly deal with this audacious challenge, which is only short of armed rebellion, remembering 'that it is outlined, by tlio scholarly leader of a numerous party southward of the Boyne. Everybody in Ireland ] believes that another rebellion is certain unless the Government prevents it; A policy of suppression of Sinn Finn will not suffice, because it will not be constructive. The Nationalist Party is tottering, because the Nationalist democracy' lias not been consulted. Strong opposition exists to the back-parlour intrigues and wire-pulling methods of"the Nationalist Party, and therefore the prospects of the conventions bto of the poorest nature. Mr. Redmond might save; the desperate situation if he promptly {summoned a National Assembly and sought its mandate; and also requested it to appoint a.small council to,which tlib Nationalist delegates could'report. This would relieve the Nationalists' fear that they might possibly be kicked irito an unrepresentative settlement. It is popularly suggested that the convention should ask the Government to enforce the convention's agreement only after a referendum had been taken 011 it. Aus.-N.Z; Cable Assn.

THE IRISH CONVENTION

INVITATIONS TO JOIN.

London) July 15. Mr. Lloyd George has invited Sir Crawford M'Cullagli (Lord Mayor of Belfast), Sir Hiram Shaw Wilkinson (of Belfast, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for China and Korea), and Sir William Whitla, M.D. (Queen's College, Belfast) to join the Irish\Conven-tion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE PIRATE WAR AMERICAN' SCHOONER SUNK. London, July 15. It is reported that an American* schooner has been sunk by a submarines. The sinking is believed to have occurred in the Mediterranean.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MESOPOTAMIA BLUNDERS STATUTORY TRIBUNAL TO TRY , THOSE ACCUSED. London, July. 15. The "Observer" understands that the Government is introducing a , Bill to establish a Statutory Tribunal-on the Mesopotamia charges, consisting of Judges, laymen, slid military men, to consider the findings of the Commission and examine the'accused .persons. Its verdict will be a basis for further Government action. —Aus.-N.Z. Cablo'Assn; FRENCH HONOURS FOR NEW ZEALANDERS London, July 15. President Poincare has.; made the following awards to New Zealanders:— Croix de Guerre, Captain H. Barrowclough,. Sergeant A. Shearer, Private C. Richards; Medaille Militaire, Sergeant R. Stewart, Private A. Dean.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' , AMERICANS IN AUSTRALIA MAY ENLIST IN THE ARMY. . Melbourne, July IG. Advices have .been received that unregistered Americans; may bo allowed ,to enlist in the Australian Army.—Press Assn.