THE GOVERNMENT CENSURED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 27

THE GOVERNMENT CENSURED.

LONDON, May 11. Lord Lansdowne announced in the House of Lords that members of the Sinn Fein in the Government employ had been discharged. It was not in* tended to allow arms in Ireland without a license. Martial law would continue until perfect security had been attained. (Received May 12, at 8.20 p.m.) Lord Lansdowne said the rebellion was one of the most discreditable aud most humiliating episodes in the recent history of Ireland. It was a stab in the back, instigated by foreign intrigue and to some extent paid by Mis money of our enemies. Had not the rebellion miscarried at the outset, he was convinced that tht rebels would have flocked to the standard. Regarding blame, it was unfair to say that the Government was making a scapegoat of Mr Birrell..' Lord Loreburn's motion censuring the Government for its pre=war policy was agreed to without a division. Lord Halsbury wished to know what information the Government acted upon, and whether it allowed officials to do that which caused the calamity. Lord Cromer said that, while he thought the best chance of winning the war was to support the Government, yet before he could accept Mr Birreli's regrets he felt inclined to say: "Give us back the priceless lives of the officers and men sacrificed by your nesjlect, want of foresight, and culpable optimism."