Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-05-21
SINNFEINERS
CRY'TRICK'
BRITISHCOUP
U. S. Agents Reveal Gi-
gantic Intrigue That
Caused Arrests.

Washington, May 21-EVi-
dence of plotting between GER
man and Irish agents in this
country for an uprising in Ire
land has been uncovered by
United States government
agents, and is partly respOn-
slble Tor the recent arrest OF
Irish leaders by the British
government.
The evidence, which may he
made public soon, is nnder-
stood to show definitely that
Irish leaders, mainly Sim
Fem sympathizers in the United
States, have been in touch with
German representatives who
agreed to furnish money tO f.
nance rebellion in Ireland
and possibly 10 send arms and
ammunition TO Ireland by sub
marines or blockade runners.
There was even some discus
sion of the chances Of sending
German soldiers to take part
in warfare on Irish soil.
The uprising was set for about
this time. when the Germans had
planned to reach the channel ports
after their great drive in France
and it was believed England would
be thrown into confusion by the
German victory.
ireland was I'd be freed entirely
from British influence if possible
and the Germans counted strongly
on the Irish trouble TO divert Great
Britain's attention from the fighting
in France and at the channel ports
at the very time when it would be
most necessary for the country to
keep calm to prevent a German in
Yasion.
Information concerning these
plots has been gathered by several
investigating agencies of the United
States government and turned ever
to the state department which for
ward it TO the British government.
In many cases the information pro-
vided leads by which British secret
agents found evidence of plotting in
Ireland
UlSH UuluTtdh NtuEs
Negotiations were allowed to pro-
coed fer some time in the hope that
more of the plotters would be
rounded up finally, and the arrests
are believed to have been ordered
by British officials at this time be-
cause it became evident an open
outbreak was about to be precipi-
tated. 1t was limited today num-
Der of Sim Fein sympathizers in
the United States are under watch
for further developments in the
Irish plots.
Plot Long Brewing.
The secret system of negotia-
tions had been in progress several
months, it is understood. This
tends to confirm the statement from
London that khe series of arrests
several days ago had no direct con-
nection with plans to conscript the
Irish. Some information was OBJ
tanned from Germans now held in
camps in this country.
There is indication also the seat of
the German-lrish negotiations was
transferred at times to other Amer
ican republics.
Dublin. May 21-A resolution
the Sim Fein deporta-
tions as an attempt 10 discredit
and disrupt Ireland's united resist
ance to conscription and to preju-
dice Ireland 5 case in the eyes of
countries was passed by
the anti-conscription conference
which met at Mansion House Mon
day.
An official statement. signed,
among others, by John Dillon and
Joseph Devlin. the Irish National
lst leaders. was issued after the
meeting. II insists on the right
Of Irishmen TO be arraigned in
their own country and declares that
an attempt was being made TO pois-
on the minds of the English people
against the prisoners.
Charge Political Plot.
The statement concludes
while standing steadfast on our
good rights. We shall never cease
10 appeal TO all friends OF human
freedom or TO inquire for ourselves
whether the present att empt To-
VI Nt 'lNlt " at A4 Ailt II IStl iiHNH HAH
by a transparently false preteXt of
experience does not really
cover wicked plot Of English pol
tiCians TO relieve themselves FROM
heir broken pledge 10 Ireland"
In addition Messrs. Dillon and
Devlin. those who signed the pro-
test were William O'BrieH and Tim
Healy, representing the O'Brienite
party; John MacNpill and Alder.
man Kelley. representing the Sim
Feiners and Messrs Johnston Egan
and OBrien. representing the Labor
party.
Report All Quiet,
London, May 2l-A total absence
Of excitement in Dublin is reported
IN all dispatches 10 the morning
newspapers from the Irish capital
and as far as is known there has
been no untoward Incident in CON
nection with Sim Fein arrests
anywhere in the country. There are
no outward indications that any
hing has happened or Is 10 happen
outside Irelands ordinary daily
routine
The Whit Monday holiday passed