THE IRISH PROBLEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17429, 25 September 1918, Page 4

THE IRISH PROBLEM

SINN FEINERS' NEW TACTICS. OPPOSITION TO NATIONALISTS. POLICY 01' NATIONAL SABOTAGE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. The Times. LONDON, September 23. (Becefved Sept. 24, at 7.20 p.m.) The Irkh correspondent of The Times writes : Although arrests, searches, and boycotts continue, the condition of Ireland has immeasurably improved under General French's measures. The Sinn Fein is dropping its policy of organised lawlessness, and organising for the next general election, particularly canvassing women. The campaign is supported by ample funds, including the anti-conscrip-tion fund of £250,000. It is intended to contest every Nationalist seat. The Nationalist Party's prospects are most gloomy. Their organisation has gone to pieces, and they have no election funds. American subscriptions have entirely ceased. The majority in Ireland, fearin? conscription, will vote Sinn Fein, which party is likely to gain 50 seats. The i\ationalists are unlikely to retain more than 25, and some predict only 11, After the election, the Sinn Feiners propose to hold out till after the Peace Conference, meanwhile adopting a policy of national sabotage. Members elected are not going to Westminster, but will attempt to form an Irish Parliament, shrinking from revolt and conflict with the forces of the Crown, but dislocating the machinery of the law in every pos&ible way. Overtures to Labour suggest that they are meditating the weapon" of a general strike, and will take every means to make Ireland ungovernable bv the British Parliament, which will be glad to get rid of the Irish difficulty at any price.