I. W. W. METHODS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 4367, 11 October 1916, Page 5

I. W. W. METHODS.

THE SYDNEY TREASON TRIAL. STARTLING REVELATIONS MADE. CICANTIC INCENDIARY PLOT DISCOVERED.

ENEMY' INTERESTS. AT WORK

United Press Association—Copyrignt, (Received Oct. ’lo, 9.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 10. There were startling revelations of a gigantic conspiracy to cause havoc and destruction and endanger the lives of people, at the opening of the treason charges against twelve members of the I.WAV'. . The accused are: Charles Reeve, a native of England ; Thomas Glyn (Ireland); Peter Larkin (Ireland); John Hamilton (Victoria); Bernard Besnnt (England; Donald McPherson (Scotland); William. Teen (Tasmania); 'William Beatty (England); Moris Eagan (Russia); Donald Grant (Scotland); Thomas Moore (New Zealand); and John King (Canada). Besides allegations of treason, they were further charged with conspiring to burn buildings in Sydney and elsewhere by means of phosphorous and inflammable material in order to intimidate and overawe the State Government. The Crown Prosecutor, in outlining the case, said ■ the charges had arisen out, of a scries of city fives, which, if successful, would have caused damage totalling at least a million. The evidence would show attempt to place difficulties in the way of the fire brigades stopping the outbreaks. The accused were associated in a notorious German escape from an internment camp. How far German influence, had affected the fires it was impossible to show, hut the tactics adopted were pleasing to the enemy. The I.WAV. had adopted a deliberate system of sabotage to lorce the Government to release a man named Tom Barker, publisher ol the lAY AY. journal “Direct Action,” who was fined £IOO or 12 months’ imprisonment for publishing statements prejudicial to recruiting in March last, and -who elected to go to prison. I lie fire s 'coiiimeiieed on June 1, and v ore aimed at buildings owned by the Government. It was further alleged that tlio object- was forcing the Goveinifm-iit to abandon its conscription policy. Many fires occurred after Air. Hughes’s declaration, and on the very day of his speech the cooperative stores were blazing, this being due to one of the accused. Another had declared that he was prepared to burn down Sydney, and that it would cost, the capitalists £IO,OOO for each day Barker was imprisoned. The Crown Prosecutor added that he believed the organisation had started ten fires, including Winns', Simpson’s, Mark Foy’s, Steelman’.*. Riley Bros.’, Brown’s furniture warehouse. Beard and Watson's, the Burns Philp wharf, Buckingham's and Brennan’s at Newtown. The evidence would show that an Austrian participated in the drawing of lots to carry out the plans, and the Austrian then indicated which places to attempt to destroy.

I.W V/. MURDER. THE SYDNEY SENSATION. United Press Association—Oopvright. SYDNEY, Oct,' 10. At the inquest on the body of Constable Duncan, the police produced a statement made by Frank Franz that the Kennedy brothers proposed shooting Duncan. Under threats to kill him they forced Franz to accompany them and discharge the rifle at Duncan. After they had each fatally shot .Duncan, Franz declared that he Mas ietl astray by the IAY.W. Another statement by Boland Kennedy is that Franz proposed the -shooting. Franz fired twice. Kennedy declared his brother Herbert refused t-p participate, saying lie was married and it was not worth his while. A third statement hv Alichacl Herbert Kennedy declared that he knew nothing of the shooting until nextmorning. when his brother told him. He admitted he Mas spokesman for the 1.W.W., and believed in their teaching, lie was formerly a member of the New Zealand police and resigned about five years ago. AIL three Mere committed t<> trial for murdering Duncan. Michael Kennedy Mas a con-stab!. ll stationed at Wellington for eighteen months and resigned. He became prominent at Waihi'during the strike alter several officials had been arrested. He. was elected president of the Aimers’ I men. hut- subsequently had to seek police protection, and he wa s escorted out of town.