New-York tribune., 1916-04-27

In the early days OF the Sim Fein move
ment there were moderate men who saw in
it possible solution Of some OF the most
formidable difficulties involved in the Irish
question 1t was non-sectarian and hence
it was free from one Of the principal dangers
the Protestants Of Ulster profess TO discover
in all national movements in ireland the
domination Of what they call the Papistry.
The Sim Fein party was indeed frankly
snti-clcrical and powerful enough even be
fore the war to defeat proposals which might
have been favorable TO the promotion Of
Home Rule. but would at the same time have
strengthened the power of the Church in
Ireland The Sim Feiners were resolved to
put na,ionalism above all other considera
tions and they made great headway among
Catholics who, while utterly out Of sympathy
with the bigots Of the North. we're hardly
loss inpatient Of their own sectarianism and
saw a new hope in the possibility Of keeping
national aspirations free from The complca-
ton Of religious d.ssension.
This purely national movement was ., frs,
somewhat coidy intellectual 1t attracted
many who could not heartily attach :hem-
selves TO any Of the older factions fighting
for or against Home Rule. 1t is an accident
u the war that it has gained dominating
place to-day. for a very large proportion
o those concerned in the present insurrcc-
la. in with
'ira Fem before the war began. Mr.. Red
uond's bold comp in placing the National
Volunteers as il were az the disposal OF the
British Government the subsequent suspen-
sion Of the Home Rule act. the fear Of CON
scription in ireland, the increase in Irish
taxation these among other circumstances
have all contributed in large measure to the
strengthening Of the Sim Fen forces.
1t was evident in the early days Of the
var that q considerable number Of NJ. Red
mond's followers resented his declaration of
loyalty before Parliament Many OF the Ma
tional Volunteers felt that he had no right to
speak in their name. Even before this event his
title to leadership was in question, and now
some who hitherto had stood by him Loyalty
saw in his apparently impusye action a
serious tactical error which could not be re
trieved while the war lasted His enemies
made full use Of this manifest dissatisfaction
and the Irish Volunteers were constantly
strengthened by seceders from the armed
body Of the Redmondtes
In like manner all sorts Of malcontents
have rallied to the call Of the Sim Fein party.
and among them undoubtedly many Of pro-
German inclination. In all probability they
have had direct help from German agents.
|, must not be supposed. however. that 'he
original Sim Feners are sympathetic with
the German cause or would find themselves
at home with the Irsh-Amcr.can clemcn;
that Is working so cnthusia stically with the
Germans in this country. They probably re-
gard their brethren here with contempt, for
nothing more clearly opposed TO the spirit
OF Sim Fein could be found than the fustian
OF the common Celto-Prussians OF New York.
They may find IT expedient to make use Of
these Irishmen Of the third and fourth re-
move. but in their hearts they must dcspisc
them.
ANYTHING. however, that could in any way
advance their cause by creating and foster.
ing disloyalty was chcerfully welcomed.
The Fathcrlsnd." THE Continental Times"
even THE Gaclic-American' served the turn
Of the rebels; and besides these they had
many weekly journals of their own. Several
Of ,hes. were suppressed. but only to spring