THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17326, 28 May 1918, Page 4

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

GOVERNMENT'S STATEMENT CONSIDERED. ENGLISH PRESS COMMENTS. PUBLIC TRIAL DEMANDED. QUESTION OE HOME RULE. Prosa Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Reuter'* Telegrams. LONDON, May 26. ine press almost unanimously declares that the published evidence justified the Government s auction in Ireland. Some papers favour the publication of fuller facts and the public trial of the ringleaders, in order to satisfy Irish publio opinion. Hie Daily Chronicle says that if it could be shown that the Sinn Fein leaders really conspired to estab.ish German submarine bases on the Irish coast it would produce a great revulsion of feeling against Sinn Fein throughout Ireland. The Morning Post says it is difficult to understand why the Sinn Fein leaders were released after the rebellion in Easter, 1916, and condemns the granting of Home Rule to a population largely controlled by Sinn^Feiners. The Daily Telegraph declares that publio opinion will demand the ringleaders trial and punishment without delay. If the constitutional Nationalists are sincere in disowning sympathy with treason, they surety will not hesitate to swell the chorus of detestation from allied countries at the infamous Sinn Fein treachery. The Daily Express says the Government has established a convincing prima facie case against the Sinn Feiners, who should be tried publicly. It is possible that Ire.and will listen to them no more if they are proved guilty in open court, but half of Ireland will believe them innocent if they are kept interned without a trial. IRISH JOURNAL'S COMMENT. GOVERNMENT C<\SE NOT SUPPORTED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assoc ation. LONDON, May 26. The Irish News says that the Government allegations regarding Ireland are not supported by any evidence. Freeman's Journal says that the Government's statement is skilfully constructed, but it is not supported by a tittle of evidence.