IRISH SENSATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10886, 28 April 1921, Page 5

IRISH SENSATION

A SINN FEIN SPLIT REMARKABLE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST LEADERS. “THINK FOR YOURSELVES.” By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, April 26. An extraordinary proclamation lias been posted widely in Queen’s County, indicating that there is revolt within the ranks of the Sinn Fein against terrorism and extremist leaders. It says: “From the comfort and safety of his hiding place in Dublin our Commander-in-Chief told an American journalist that the Crown forces are virtually beaten. Does any sane' man in the volunteers believe such clap-trap? We understand why the leaders are safely hidden in their bedrooms. Their female admirers in Dublin are handling vast sums of Republican Money. Should they desire a prolongation of this unequal struggle the Oastle hirelings are in no hurry to arrest them; in the scheme of settlement they will get a free pardon, in short, they are having a good time. “Not for these pampered rebels should brave men lead a hunted existence hourly dodging death in the hills and hogs of Ireland. Many of our best commandants have fallen recently; others are pining m an English gaol. The Commander-m-Chief, in his lady’s apartment in Dublin, daily sends them to their doom. Volunteers who dare speak thear mind are seized by a speciallypaid murder gdng and executed as spies and traitors. “Terror rules the Republican Army to-day. Boys are driven by bullet® and the lash to face well-trained English soldiers. If Irish mothers realised the brutal floggings and executions whereby these wretched youths are held Jn discipline, we would soon have an end of Michael Collins and his staff 'of tyrants “These Sinn Fein men are leading immoral lives in Dublin. They have set up a reign of terror as soul-destroying a:, Robespierre’s.” The proclamation concludes: “Volunteers, think for yourselves 1 Oollins can’t murder all of us. If Father O’Flanagan and Archbishop dune nsd been left alone we could have had an honourable peace long ago.’’