IRISH HOME RULE.

Evening Star, Issue 15478, 28 April 1914, Page 6

IRISH HOME RULE.

HOODWINKING THE AUTHORITIES

35,000 MAUSERS LANDED.

A DANGEROUS BUT SUCCESSFUL TRANSHIPMENT.

MR ASQUITH PUTS HIS FOOT DOWN,

AND WILL VINDICATE THE SUPREMACY OF THE LAW. ACTIVE MEASURES CONTEMPLATED. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, April 27. The principal highways were held up bv armed and unarmed men, who stopped all traffic and refused to allow anyone to pass except those furnishing the countersign. A thousand volunteers commandeered the Midland station, and remained in charge until 4 o clock on Saturday morning in order to intercept any soldiers and police. The Mountjoys consignment was 35,000 Mausers and 34 million rounds ox amunition. The vessel was not the F&nnv, but .had transhipped the latter s cargo" at sea. The gun-runner bore the temporary name of Mount joy, recalling a vessel which broke the Foyle boom and raised the siege of Derry. The transhipment was dangerous work, being done in a dark, choppy sea. Sis hundred motor cars were employed conveying the smuggled arms inland. The suspicious movements of a_ collier when approaching Belfast and the interest taken in her hy a detachment of Ulster volunteers had the effect of concentrating the Customs officials’ attention, who learned too late that the vessel was merely a decoy. It transpires that the Fanny, while waiting an opportunity to land her cargo of munitions, lay sheltered in a cove at Lundy Island, where the appearance of the vessel was transformed. She afterwards sailed westward, and met the Mountjoy near Tuskar. A consignment of rifles and ammunition from Germany intended for Ulster was landed at Hull on Wednesday and warehoused. The police are watching the warehouse. No attempt has yet been made to remove them. A GRAVE SITUATION. LONDON, April 27. The ‘Morning Post’ (U.) says the situation in Ireland is extremely grave. It is obvious that the Government cannot ignore gnu-running. On the other hand, it is unlikely that the volunteers will submit unresistingly to the arrest of their leaders and the seizure of their arms. The ‘Daily Mail’ (U.) says the Government’s lawless attempts to use force are a justification for the gun-running. The ‘Daily Chronicle’ (Liberal) _considers that the gun-running exploit justifies the Government’s precautions to guard the depots. They ought to despatch a larger force now that the Ulster Council have ordered the volunteers to commit a series of crimes. Events show Sir E. Carson in full criminal color.

‘The Times’ (U.) remarks that the Government first jeered Ulster about wooden guns, and then planned a secret coup which failed. This furnished a fresh incentive to Ulster to arm herself, and the gun-running incident is the outcome. The ‘Daily News’ (Radical) says that the plea of tolerance to Ulster now falls to the ground, and the writer demands the punishment of everyone participating in the gun-running episode. Three Curragh regiments have been ordered to proceed to Ulster. BUSY TALKING. LONDON, April 27. Speaking at Newcastle, the ex-Minister pf War (Colonel Seely) said he supposed that before long there would be an appeal to the country. He did not support ■he cry of People against Army. The latter knew nothing about politics, and therefore it would fee a false cry. Mr L. S. Emery, Unionist member for Birmingham South, in a letter to the Press, states that the master-at-arms of the Hibernia, in the Lamlash squadron, questioned the seamen individually whether they were for or against Home Rule.' MR BIRR-ELL IN DUBLIN. LONDON, April 27. The Chief Secretary (Mr Birrell) has arrived at Dublin to attend a meeting of the Irish Privy Council MR ASQUITH’S PLEDGE. WILL VINDICATE THE KING'S AUTHORITY. ANOTHER UNFORTUNATE “MISAPPREHENSION.” LONDON, April 27. (Received April 28, at 9 a.m.) In the House of Commons Mr Asquith said that in view of the grave and unprecedented outrage in Ulster the Government would without delay take appropriate steps to vindicate the authority of the law and to protect the King's officers, servants, and subjects in the exercise of their duties and the enjoyment of their legal rights. (Ministerial cheers.) Answering Colonel Chaloner, Mr Asquith said that the instructions to the Howitzer Battery to prepare guns for active service on the 20th of March were issued under a misapprehension. ADVICE FROM A CANDID FRIEND. THE ONLY WAY OUT. LONDON, April 27. (Received April 28, at 9 a.m.) The ‘Westminster Gazette’ (Liberal) says that the Government must ignore all suspicions of the loyalty of the Army and Navy, and proceed on the assumption that* they have the power and can use it. If there is any disaffection or disobedience such as would cause serious embarrassment, let the Government dissolve and gppe M to the electors against anarchy. A BADGERED PRIME MINISTER. NINETY-SIX QUESTIONS TO ANSWER. LONDON, April 27. (Received April 28, at 9.15 a.m.) Ninety-six questions have been asked of Sir Asquith, which is a record. The Prime Minister stated that the police informed the Government as far back as December that the depots in Ulster were in danger of attack. Mr Bonar Law: “ Why did not the Government act until March?” Mr Asquith: “The Government exercised their discretion.” The Cabinet has met to decide on the steps to vindicate the law. The annual Army Bill was read a second time in the House of Lords. Lord Crewe, answering Lord Lansdowne, said it was not the Government’s intention at present to move troops into Ireland, but that it would depend on circumstances. POLICE RAIDS USELESS. "LONDON, April 27. (Received April 28, at 9.15 a.m.) Renewed activity was shown on Sunda night between Bangor and Newtownard; 50 motors transporting the rifles and an munition. The Ulstermen now stand no more thr a dozen rifles in a single place, thus mu ing police raids impossible. ■ A DENLAL. "LONDON, April 27 It i* denied that troops have b ordered to Ulster, hut there is much a , -eit? at the Curragh camp

tag GOVERNMENT DO SOMETHING. LONDON, April 27. (Received April 28, at 9.50 a.m.) -A small steamer has been detained at Ayr. It is alleged that she assisted irt the gxtn-running. . PROVISION FOR THE~BEREAVED. ORDERS TO ThFcONSTABULARY. LONDON, April 27. {Received April 28, at 1.15 p.m.) The Ulster Committee have voted a provision for the family of the coastguardsman who died of heart disease. The Irish Constabulary have been instructed to stop all motor cars and to search for arms, and to arrest the occupants if they resist.