THE FIRST SPANISH SUPPLIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 32

THE FIRST SPANISH SUPPLIES.

Soon after the submission had been made, the first Spanish supplies of men and stores arrived in three vessels, and with them came letters from the king promising speedy succours, and encouraging the rebels to persevere in the war. Several of the Irish chiefs jointly signed an invitation to Philip to come and make an immediate invasion of the - land, promising him their full support, but O'Neill, to cover his deception, sent the king's letter to the Government. At the same time, however, he set about drilling men of every sept in readiness for the insurrection which he was assiduously fomenting. The Government had occasion to punish a chief in Leinster who was in arms against the Grown. O'Neill resented this as an outrage against "bis friend," and at once marched out and captured Armagh. But no act of rebellion seemed enough to induce the Government to adopt stringent measures with the earl. Time after time be was allowed to scorn their clemency and to outrage their patience, but as often as he waa admitted into confidence as surely did he give proof of his resolve to defy the power of England. Any other course, to "quote the words of Haverty, " would have been revolting to an aspiring nature." To him every action was a victory. So long -as it gained him time, he cared little how he gained it.