The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY. TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1918.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4874, 21 May 1918, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED DAILY. TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1918.

It will be noted with deep regret by I all well-wishers of Ireland that disloyalty in that unhappy country has again manifested itself. What has now transpired once more exemplifies the old saying that where there is smoke there is fire. The rebellion during Eastertide in 1916 was certainly dealt with in a very firm manI ner; but the malignant spirit which brought about the trouble and strife was by no means entirely crushed. Evidence there has been in plenty that the republican movement has continued to be fostered by the Sinn Fein element. The successes of Sinn Feiners in the case of parliamentary by-elections have not been the only 1 indications of their- activities. It is well known to all readers of Irish newspapers that republicanism has all along been openly advocated by its leaders on every possible occasion. What is more the rank and file in regard to. the movement have continued to ho most aggressive; so much so, indeed, that it is most surprising that the lawlessness that has been displayed has not resulted in more numerous and more serious collisions between the traitors and the authorities. Ireland to-day is in sore need of level-headed leaders—men who can see that not only does the continued unrest result in weakening, the Empire, but also that Ireland stands to lose most by what is transpiring. The position has certainly been allowed to become most complicated.. As . between the north and the south the gulf has, it would appear, not been widened, but maybe narrowed somewhat," as a sequel to the'-recent history-making Convention. Whether the “heads” of both principal factions are alive to the necessity for. fighting and crushing the Sinn Fein rabble has never been disclosed. It is, we think, most un-

Ireland’s Hour of Need.

ffjcnaa y Fortunate that a now cry tea at J™ , , ,- M<r „ bee n raised by the National . . 22-tho Plea for self-determumtiou | for Ireland. ...The pressing need to da Y is that Ireland should give of her manhood in as large a P r ‘^° l^ 0n ] t ELBB2%S her full part,in the war t n a (treat deal for the assuredly mean a g _ Oamo Allies at this critical junctui - ' Itujnor I,nil, it Hint in Irolutnl «-*£' more troops tor. to b. retam 4.1,-,! the number, of new' recruits that that troubled country could put vide. That is clearly a most un a isfactory state of affairs at a t - when the Empire is euygstruggle for its very existence H L authorities intend to <W ««> tLTto^r^:: military compulsion in return tor*. granting of some form of Borne, Rule. There is, however, room tor much disagreement on the pom • a other quarters it is contended tnac the conditions arc still far iron, ripe for the granting of Home Rule and that to offer such a measure « Ju not prove a proper solution of the difficulty, as it would be regarded £ the disloyalists as evidence of yak ness on the part of Motlimlam - | Perhaps it would be best in I run if Britain should decide tby I land as a whole must do her full du-y to the Empire. It might mean a Sharp Struggle with the malcontents but it would soon he over. Hie Home Government is certainly doing the right thing in arresting as many of the disloyal leaders is Ireland a» they can lav their hands upon, ihe traitorous advocates of republicanism Should be compelled to suffer deportation. Ireland will be much happy and much more contented without them. There is further talk of continuing the voluntary system m Ireland ; such a statement of afiaus would, however, be a blunder. As General Smuts has so plainly indicated self-government for Ireland is assured. The loyalists in Irelandand they are, of course, m an immense majority —must, therefore assist to bring about a condition of things which will ensure that Home Rule would he a success. What is most desirable at the present time is, we think,, the remora from Ireland of all the principal Sinn Fein rebels even although then numbers may ran into thousands. A peaceful state of affairs will not obtain unless some such step is taken and the sooner it is taken the bettor it will be for Ireland and the Empire, In this regard the law should be u respecter of -persons: all traitors should he treated alike.