CONSTABLES RUN AMOK.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16797, 22 July 1920, Page 3

CONSTABLES RUN AMOK.

FURTHER IRISH DISTURBANCES. REVENGE FOR MURDER. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received July 22, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON/ July 20. Two constables, who were motoring through Tuam from the Railway Assizes, discovered the road blocked with trees. Both alighted and immediately were shot dead. Two other constables in. a rear car used firearms against the ambushed party of 50 men till their ammunition was exhausted. They w r ere eventually overpowered and blindfolded. When news of the outrage spread, wild scenes occurred. Reports state that‘the police and military completely sacked Tuam, fired shots, into nouses and shops, set fire to demolished: business premises, and gutted the town hall. £1 . The rifle fire and explosion of hand grenades and bombs terrified the inhabitants, none of whom were injuied. MURDERS NUMBER 52. Sinn Fein murders of police total 62 since the'New Year. When the bodies of the Team constables were brought into the bairacks rolled in white sheets, it enraged the constables, and they apparently determined to give the Sinn Feimvs ihe fight of their lives. The town was awakened at 5 o’clock with volleys of rifle shots and grenade explosions. Fifty to 100 police were running amok in the streets, crying “Where jure the damned Sinn Femers.’” J hoy dragged youths from their beds, threatening to kill them as they had killed -the constables’ .comrade®. Stious ■were rred above their heads. The houses of prominent Sinn Feiners were burnt, also the "Town Hail, where the Sinn Fein aourt was held. Women and children, terrified, huddled in the back gardens, reciting the rosary. . The police officers in Tuam assert that tho men only got out of hand when the town folk began to fire upon them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GENERAL STRIKE ORDERED, DUBLIN TRADES COUNCIL. (Received July 221, 9.30 a.m.) DUBLIN, July , 20. The Trades Council has orderpd a general strike to take effect m 48 hours from to-night in support of jibe demand for Larkin’s release from imprisonment in the United States. The transport workers refuse to participate. -.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ° RUMOURS OF SETTLEMENT. LONDON, July 21. The Daily Mail’s Dublin correspondent reports persistent rumours of la political development in Ireland, It is, reported that Sinn Fein and Downing Street are discussing th© basis of a settlement. An important statement is expected during the Irish debate in the House of Commons on. the 22nd inst. It is significant that the fiery Freeman’s JournaLpreaches patience and restraint, ai victory is now in sight.—United Service.