THE IRISH FRONT.

New Zealand Tablet, 26 May 1921, Page 13

THE IRISH FRONT.

It would seem as if the English Government had no intention of changing its “policy' of frightfulness” in Ireland. The latest reports from there go to show this — as also to show how determined the Irish are to continue resistance at any cost. Perhaps only neutrals who are in Ireland can fully understand the spirit that reigns there, or thoroughly realise present conditions. “I have been in shell-racked Belgium,” writes a correspondent of Collier’s Weekly, in towns in France that had been wholly obliterated; I have lived for weeks at a time under shell fire I have been in countries where foreign troops occupied enemy territory, yet I have never seen anything like the present front in Ireland.” - It is hard to get facts there. The people are shy, reticent, and, in constant dread of spies, of whom there are said to b© thousands, all eager to report anything that excites their suspicion. But the clergy, though cautious and calm as a rule, are apt to be frank with visitors who are trying to learn the truth and can trusted to report it. Writing of a tragedy that occurred at a typical town not far from Dublin, the correspondent already quoted describes the parish priest as “a tall, x scholarly-looking old man, with all the sorrows of the world in his face . . ./who talked in a weary voice, as of one who does not understand, but leaves things to , God.” “It was a spy that went about,” he said, “giving the names of those supposed to be Sinn Fein, and getting their houses burned over their heads. There were two poor fellows the Crown

forces got—Leeson and. Gibbons. They were in their beds. They were told that they would not be hurt; that’ they must come to the barracks and be examined. Leeson’a son tried to help his father, and they fired on him, Leeson was soon covered with blood by the time they got to the barracks. I believe they were shot first, sand finished afterwards with bayonets. I saw their poor mutilated bodies. I didn’t want to, but their people begged it. The faces were full of bayonet stabs; and had the most agonised expression. One of them had great gashes on the inside of his legs. God help - this weary world!” Is it any wonder that reports of brutality like this should bring shame and disgrace upon the name of England P The people of her sister island are largely innocent, yet they are regarded as outlaws and punished like the worst of criminals.