LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS.
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Sugar for beekeepers

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A notice appears in our advertising columns today intimating unit that a limited quantity of sugar for the feeding of bees is available. Application should be made on forms to be had from the County
Instructor in Beekeeping.

Potato Spraying

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The Government do not propose to take steps to control the selling price of sulphate of copper this year. The supply available for agricultural purposes is reported to be ample and the necessity for control does not therefore arise.

Kilteely Fair

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The fair of Kilteely, Co. Limerick, will be held on Monday next, 3rd February, There will be a plentiful supply of cattle. All the leading buyers have promised to attend. Pallas and Knocklong stations are only three miles distant.

Manacled at Mass

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The investigations conducted by Judge Dodd into the ill-treatment of Sinn Fein prisoners in Belfast disclosed a sad state of affairs. It transpired that a large number of the prisoners were manacled going
to Mass and to Communion. Judge Dodd pressed for a reason for this unprecedented action, which is described as “most pitiable and most regrettable,” but the only excuse given was that the Governor feared the staff (of 40) could not cope with the prisoners! The prisoners were not represented
at the inquiry.

Letter to the Editor 1st February 1919

CONSTABLE McDONNELL'S ORPHANS
           Cahir Park, Cahir
      30th January, 1919
To the Editor of "The Nationalist."
Sir,_ With the approval of Lord Dunalley, the Lord Lieutenant of the County (who has subscribed £5), I have undertaken to raise a fund for the benefit of Constable McDonnell's orphan children, three of whom are quite young and unprovided for.
Sympathisers will kindly send any contributions they may be good enough to make, addressed to me, c/o Mr. W. B. Talbot, Cahir Park, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.- Yours faithfully,
RICHARD B CHARTERIS, Lt.. Col. High Sheriff.

MARTIAL LAW

MARTIAL LAW.
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NO FAIRS OR MARKETS IN CLONMEL.
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From inquiries made in official quarters to-day, it appears that the
monthly fair to Clonmel next Wednesday will not be permitted by the
authorities.
Bodies of armed soldiers, wearing trench helmets, were posted at the
different approaches to Clonmel, and prevented people bringing poultry,
butter, eggs, etc., to the weekly markets. Another body of troops occupied the
Main Guard where the butter and egg market is usually held.
The prohibition of the fairs and markets causes much loss and
inconvenience, and holds up the cattle trade for the time being.
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FETHARD MARKET STOPPED.
The people of Fethard had their first experience of martial law on Thursday;
when military, with full equipment, were stationed at all of the approaches to
the town for the purpose of stopping the weekly fowl market. The men on
duty were taken off their posts at 10.30 o'clock.
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CARRICK-ON-SUIR FAIR STOPPED.
Carrick-on-Suir monthly fair fixed for Thursday was stopped by the
military stationed in the town. Early in the morning parties of soliders,
accompanied by policemen, took up positions at the roads leading into the
town from counties Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary, and turned back
every person who had been coming to the fair. No buyers were in town and it
was generally known throughout the adjoining districts that the fair would not
be allowed, very few persons had to be turned back. About 100 soliders and
four officers are stationed at Carrick-on-Suir Workhouse. The stopping of the
fair has been the only incident of a martial law nature that has taken place
since the military arrived, except that the pig market usually held on the
Monday preceeding the fair did not take place last Monday at the Fair Green.
The pigs were bought outside the town.
The news that permits to enter County Tipperary will not be required
has been learned in Carrick and district with much pleasure. Carrick is only
100 yards across the river from County Waterford and Co. Kilkenny touches
the urban boundary. For these reasons the permits system would cause great
inconvenience in Carrick if it operated in the same manner as it did in Co.
Clare last year.

ESCORT BY AEROPLANE

ESCORT BY AEROPLANE.
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It was reported in Tipperary last night that there were two further
arrests in connection with the shooting on Constables McDonnell and
O'Connell at Soloheadbeg. The police are reticient as to details. A transport
wagon, with soliders and police, went out from Tipperary to the scene of the
tragedy at Soloheadbeg and the vicinity, and were escorted by an aeroplane,
which hovered for some time over the spot. The public expectation is keenly
on edge for further developments. The police and military continue to search
for the missing gelignite. They searched a farmer's house at Golden Garden,
near Alleen, examined the grass and bracken beside the tailway line, turned up
manure heaps, and tossed hay about. At another farmer's house in Alleen a
gravel pit was dug up. A further search was made last night at Greenane, near
Tipperary.
The military have taken possession of the City Hall and portion of the
Workhouse in Cashel.

REWARDS OFFERED

REWARDS OFFERED.
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The “Dublin Gazette” opens with a proclamation of the Lords Justices
General and General Governors of Ireland, offering a reward of £1,000 to any
person or persons who within three months shall give such information as shall lead to the conviction of the murderers of Constables James McDonnell
and Patrick O'Connell, who were shot at Soloheadbeg, Tipperary, on January
21st, while escorting gelignite from the military barracks to the country
quarry, and a further reward of £300 for such secret information, within the
same time, as shall be calculated to lead to the same result. They also offer to
any person concerned in or privy to the murders (not being one of the persons
who actually fired the shots) who shall give such information as shall lead to
the conviction of the murderers, a free pardon, and the special protection of
the Crown in any part of his Majesty's dominions.

GUARDIANS AND THE MURDERS

GUARDIANS AND THE MURDERS.
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At the Tipperary Guardians' meeting to-day Mr. William Purcell,
presiding, said they all abhorred the murder and outrage, but it was a sinister
coincidence that the shootings occurred during the critical days of the opening
of the Peace Conference, when the Irish people might wrongfully be taunted
with conniving at assassination and murder. They had heard of the German
plot, which he would term the Dublin Castle Plot, and also of Sergt.
Sheridan's Castle Plot, and also of Sergt. Sheridan. It was not the perpetrators,
but the innocent public who suffered loss and inconvenience under martial
law.
There was a dramatic spectacle yesterday afternoon when an
aeroplane, flying low, acoompanied by a military motor transport lorry in the
direction of Soloheadbeg hill, remaining some time hovering over the scene of
the tragedy.
It is reported that two arrests were made last nigh[n]t, but the police maintain
rigid silence regarding later developments.

MORE EXPLOSIVES FOUND

MORE EXPLOSIVES FOUND.
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(Special Telegram from our Correspondent) Tipperary, Saturday
A large quantity of explosive is stated to have been found in a bag in a
field in Greenane district, two miles from the scene of the tragedy. It is
understood that the explosive is not gelignite.

TIPPERARY OUTRAGE

TIPPERARY OUTRAGE.
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Edward Browne, labourer, Ballagh, who had been arrested in
connection with the tragedy has been discharged, and there is now nobody in
custody.
Edward Flynn, the chief witness at the inquest, who collapsed on the
day of the tragedy and on several days subsequently, has been discharged
from Tipperary hospital, and has gone back to his native place, Ardfinnan.
The impression that permits would be required by all person entering the
South Riding was owing to a misinterpretation by the local police of the
section of D.O.R.A. under which the second order was issued by the
Competent Military Authority, and which was posted in Tipperary. This
section states that “no person without lawful authority shall enter the area
without permission from the Commandant.” This wording naturally gave the
impression that permits were necessary, but the public have heard with relief
the official assurance that permits are not required.

TIPPERARY SENSATION - Two policemen shot dead

TIPPERARY SENSATION
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Two Policemen Shot Dead.
(Special Telegram From Our Corresondent)
Tipperary, Tuesday.
A sensation was caused in Tipperary today when it was reported that Constable James McDonnell and Constable Patrick O'Connell were shot dead by masked men at Soloheadbeg Quarry, three miles from the town.
According to the report at Tipperary Police Barracks, they were escorting a quantity of gelignite on a cart to the quarry at Soloheadbeg. When near the quarry a party of a dozen masked men jumped over the fence and fired revolvers at them. Constable McDonnell was, it is stated, shot through the heart, and died instantly.
Constable O'Connell was shot through the head and body, and died in a short time.
The masked men then took possession of the cart and drove away.

RELEASE THE PRISONERS

RELEASE THE PRISONERS

Bishop Fogarty's Vigorous Letter.

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“A Disgrace To Civilised Government.”

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The following letter was read from Most Rev. Dr. Fogarty, Bishop of Killaloe, at the meeting in Ennis:-

“Yes, I gladly join in your demand for the release of the Irish prisoners. These prisoners are not criminals; they are refined and enlightened men and women of stainless honour. Their arrest, incarceration, and jail treatment is a disgrace to civilised government. Over 100 of them are now in prison since last May without any trial whatsoever. The inquiry promised months ago into the Belfast horrors has not yet come off.

“This is not government; but an unscrupulous violation of the most sacred of human rights – personal liberty. It is not ordained for the conservation of public peace, but a callous provocation to violence. Where is the 'moral mind of right, justice and goodwill' which President Wilson assured us  is passing over the world? It may be blowing in the Alps and in the Balkans; it has not yet struck Dublin Castle; but Ireland will insist that the principles of national justice and common honesty will apply to Ireland no less than to the rest of the world. It must not be possible for brute force to isolate just one people in Europe from the protection of God's eternal law.

“The oppressive regime now rampant in Ireland is not, I believe, the work of the English people. Its true parentage is unmistakable; it has the mouth and hanging underjaw of Dublin Castle. If the people of England, and especially the honest workmen of Britain, rightly grasped what is being done over here in their name, they would not, I believe, tolerate a policy so dishonourable to their country, and so compromising to its interests.

Worldwide Resentment.

“For these imprisoned Irish patriots do not stand alone in the world. One of them is Mr. de Valera, the honoured leader of Ireland at home. He is also, as far as their Irish interests are concerned, the applauded leader of twenty-five millions of Irishmen in America, not to talk of the Irish race in the Colonies. That distingushed man is now in chains, fastened on him, as on hundreds of others, in the name of England, for no other reason than that he loves his country, and has the fortitude to vindicate her rights.

“Let England but realise what that sort of thing imports for her international interests in a possible future. Let me requote in this connection the warning words of a highly-placed and well-informed Englishman, reported in the 'Daily News.'

'My advices,' he says, 'from across the Atlantic are that the Irish-Americans, who are the most active political body in the States, are getting every week into closer and closer union with the German-Americans. If events in Ireland develop, so they well may during the Spring, it is quite on the cards that we shall we see in America the formation of an Irish-German-American bloc, definitely hostile to Britain, immensely power, numerically financially, politically and socially, and determined to use that power to the utmost for Britain's injury. This is no fancy picture; but a very real and threatening danger. Do try to make England realise that she cannot afford to let things here drift on disaster.'

The Road to Permanent Peace.

“The road to permanent and perfect peace between Ireland and England is clear enough, if English statesmen had only vision to see it and the courage to follow it. Let the Irish prisoners free; put Dublin Castle aside, with its evil traditions, and apply to Ireland in a spirit of truth and courage the principles of self-determination, which England herself with all the world has now proclaimed as the God-given right of every nation, both large and small.”

The letter was received with prolonged cheering.

CARRICK HOUSING SCHEME

CARRICK HOUSING SCHEME

The Local Government's Board's circular re probability of loans being available at an early date for providing houses for the working classes in Irish towns was again before Carrick-on-Suir Urban Council at the January monthly meeting. The meeting deputed Mr. J. E. Grubb, J.P. Vice-Chairman to interview the L.G.B., and lay before that body the special claims of Carrick to a share of whatsoever money will be available for urban housing, and to ascertain on what terms the money will be given; and what amount Carrick would be likely to get. The cost of the water scheme and the new cemetary have exhausted the Council's borrowing powers, and special terms must be secured for them if a loan is to be given for housing.

BELFAST JAIL INQUIRY.

BELFAST JAIL INQUIRY.

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PRISONERS NOT REPRESENTED.

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A preliminary sitting of the Special Commission appointed to inquire into the complaints as to the treatment of the Sinn Fein prisoners in Belfast Jail during the months of June and July last, was held on Thursday.

As indicated in the correspondence published between the Chief Secretary and Mr. Duggan, solicitor for the prisoners, the latter were not represented at the sitting. The reason given is that no guarantee could be offered that the proceedings would be published without censorship.

The Court granted the request of counsel for the authorities to have the venue at Belfast.

GAELIC LEAGUE NOTES

GAELIC LEAGUE NOTES
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ACTIVITIES IN TIPPERARY COISTE CEANNTAIR DISTRICT
Now that the “Flu” and the election excitement has passed over, the
different branches are now settling down again to work. Lisvernane and
Mount Bruis branches and now working very satisfactory and have all
arrangements made for the carrying out of the programme outlines by the
Coiste Ceanntair.
Successful meetings were held in Bansha on Friday night and in Emly
on Sunday. These branches were in a very backward state, but now that they
have put their shoulders to the wheel, everything points to a successfu[l] year's
work.
Lisvernane and Mount Bruis are now at work rehearsing two plays. It
is to be hoped that the other branches will now rise to the occassion and also
get a dramatic class together. Tipperary are also having the production of a
play under consideration, and it is intended to produce same on St. Patrick's
night.
An Aireadeacht is also to be produced by each branch. Some of the
other branches are already busy making their arrangements , so the summer
should prove a lively time in local Gaelic circles.
Industrial Committees are also attached to the several branches. This is
a branch of activity in which the Gaelic League was very active but for some
unaccountable reason, it has been neglected for years back. Realising that it is
a vital concern to give a stimulus to the industrial movement, and thus
promote employment in the country, as well as a bigger circulation of money,
the Coiste Ceanntair think that the time has now come when every branch of
the Gaelic League should have a real live active Industrial Committee. There
is usually a great deal of talk when a big contract leaves the country, but we
are never told of all the odd pennies and half-pennies, which are daily leaving
the country and which run into millions per annum. These pennies and half-
pennies are sent out of the country in the purchase of blacking, soaps, candles,
matches, cigarettes, boot laces, etc. The Coiste Ceanntair maintain that it is the
duty of the branches to retain the money spent on the purchase of these
articles in the country. Those articles are produced at home and are far
superior to the imported stuff. “Take care of the pennies and the pounds will
mind themselves.”
The branches are also to hold Ceilidh at intervals. This course is
considered necessary as Irish dancing, has practically disappeared altogether
in the district, and an earnest effort should be made to revive same. Ireland's
win over the forces of Imperialism is being celebrated in several districts in
the form of Victory Dances. Are the dances those of the Gael or the foreigner?
I am afraid that at a good many of those dances you will not even find one
Irish dance on the programme. The freedom of Ireland is not going to be won
in the tongue, dances, manners and customs of the foreigner! It is going to be
won in an Irish Ireland. Surely a victory over the foreigner is not going to be
celebrated in the song and dance of the foreigner. Do you see the point? Be
practical.
A new departure was made in the national life of Tipperary on Sunday
night when the Gaelic League held an Irish night at their Rooms, O'Brien
Street. The dances were all Irish. The singing was all Irish, and the
conversation, as far as possible, was Irish. This is an earnest effort in nation
building, and it is hoped other national organisations in the town will profit by
the lead given and introduce a wee bit more of an Irish Ireland atmosphere
into their functions and entertainments.
A meeting of the Coiste Cean[n]tair will be held on Sunday next at 3
o'clock, sharp, at the Gaelic League Rooms, O'Brien Street.
The annual general meeting of Craobh Mic Piarais will be held on
Tuesday night next, at 8 o'clock, sharp. All members are requested to be in
attendance punctually.
At a committee meeting of the Clonmel Gaelic League, held in the League
Rooms on Monday night and presided over by Rev. J. Walsh, C.C., the
question of resuming operations in the branch was under consideration. It had
been found necessary to suspend the operations for some time on account of
the prevalence of the epidemic and the political distractions, so that a good
deal of time was lost during the first portion of the session. As these disturbing
influences have now ceased to exist the committee are anxious that the branch
should settle down to work immediately again, and have decided to reopen the
classes this week. The class nights will continue to be the same as in the early
part of the session, viz., for adults on each Thursday night from 8 o'clock to
9.30, and for children on Monday nights from 6.30 to 7.30. All members are
requested to attended punctually and regularly, as an effort must be made by
diligent, steady work to make up for lost time. Intending members will present
themselves at the Hall on any night between 8 and 10 o'clock, when names
and subscriptions will be taken by the secretaries. The fee for the session is,
for men, 5s. ; and for ladies, 2s. 6d., and payment of this entitles them to the
use of the Hall as a Gaelic Club at all times. Facilities will be given them for
enlarging and importing their knowledge of Irish outside class hours, and in
the ordinary intercourse amongst the members, and the study of the language
will be made enjoyable as well as profitable.