Irish Town Sacked.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 186, 22 July 1920, Page 5

Irish Town Sacked.

POLICE RUN WILD. SEEKING VENGEANCE FOR MURDERED COMRADES. ’ INHABITANTS TERRIFIED. (By Cable —Press Association.—Copyright.] (Received 22, 9.10 a.m.) London, July 20. Two constables motoring through Tuam from Galway Assizes discovered the road blocked with trees. Both alighted and immediately were shot dead. Two other constables in a rear ear used firearms against the ambushed party of fifty men until their ammunition was exhausted. They were eventually overpowered and blindfolded. When news of the outrage spread wild scenes occurred. • Reports state that tho police and military completely sacked Tuam, fired shots into houses and shops, set afire and demolished business premises, and gutted the Town Hall. Rifle fire and the explosion of hand grenades and bombs terrified tho inhabitants, none of whom were injured.—(A. and N.Z.)

"WHERE ARE THE DAMNED SINN FEINERS." HOUSES AND TOWN HALL BURNED DOWN. (Received 22, 9.10 a.m.) London, July 21. Sinn Fein murders of police total fifiv-two since the New Year. When the bodies of the Tuam constables were brought into the barracks rolled in white sheets, enraged constables apparently determined to give Sinn Feiners the "fright of their lives. The town was awakened at five o’clock with volleys of rifle shots and grenade explosions. Fifty to a hundred police went running amok in the streets, crying: ""Where are the damned Sinn Feiners!’’ and dragged youths from their beds, threatening to kill them as they had killed their comrades. Shots were fired above their heads. Houses of prominent Sinn Feiners were burnt, also the Town Hall, where A Sinn Fein Court was held. Women and children were terrified and huddled together in back gardens, reciting the Rosary. Police officers in Tuam assert that the men only got out of hand when the town folk began to fire upon them. — (A. and N.Z.) GENERAL STRIKE IN DUBLIN. DEMAND FOR LARKIN’S RELEASE (Received 22, 9.10 a.m.) Dublin, July 20. The Trades Council has ordered a general strike in forty-eight hours from to-night in support of the demand f>r Larkin Is release from imprisonment in the United States. Transport workers refuse to participate. —(A. and N.Z.) NEW DEVELOPMENTS. RUMOURS OF PEACE. PATIENCE PREACHED. London, July 21. The "Daily Mail's’’ Dublin correspondent reports persistent rumours of political developments in Ireland. It is reported that Sinn Fein and Downing street are discussing a basis for settlement. Important statement aro expected during the Irish debate in the House of Commons on the 22nd. It is significant that the fiery ‘‘Freeman’s Journal’’ preaches patience and restraint, as victory is now in sight.— ( U uited Service.)