The Washington times., 1920-04-04
OUTW|T
BR|T|SHGUARD
Incendiary Torch Applied to
Government Buildings and
Destroy Records.
MILITARY CAMP IN STREETS
City Virtually Under Martial
Law With Troops Picket
ing Entrances.

DUBLIN, April 4.-The first or
ganized demonstration against the
British government on the anniver-
sary of the 1915 Sim Fein uprising
occurred early today, when eight
income tax Offices were set on fire
simultaneously.
In one case armed men held up
the caretaker at rifle points while
they started the fire.
Fire fighters were inadequate b
cope with the flames, and efforts OF
the soldiers were futile.
Military Activity.
In many cases the flames had made
great headway. and little hope was
held that they would be brought un-
der control.
All files in reference to income
taxes were destroyed.
There was considerable military
activity in Dublin today. Three hun
dred British troops formed a circle in
Parnell Square. No reason was as
signed for this concentration, and
civilians sswere kept at distance from
the troops.
Another civilian was found mys-
teriously murdered ON the outskirts
Of the city today. He had q soldiers
pass bearing the name Laurence Me-
KenEie.
Canpea In DuAsin.
A Gordon of British troops were
camped around Dublin today. and the
,ity was in q virtuaIstate of siege.
The soldiers surrounding the city
were placed at an average distance Of
four miles from the outskirts. 1t was
clear they were prepared for any
eventuality. Tanks and machine guns
were placed short distances apart.
Barbed wire entanglements were
placed across all entrances to the city.
Troops were also stationed at hun
dreds of central points within the
city proper.
Travellers in automobiles and pedes-
trians were carefully examined before
allowed to 60 to or from the city. In
terurban cars were detained until the
military authorities had satisfied
themselves the passengers were un-
armed.
Officials Prisoners.
The troops guarding Dublin are
composed of crack English youths.
carrying full equipment including
ammunition, trench helmets and bayo-
nets. Rumors were current that there
had been shooting at Mt. Joy prison.
where a number Of Sim Fein prison
ers are held.
Newspapers issued extra editions
announcing the city surrounded by
troops. This only served to heighten
the tension at Dublin Castle. High
government officials were virtually
prisoners in their castle, which had
all the appearances OF a fortress.
Sir John Taylor. under secretary for
Ireland. was red-eyed and nervous to-
day. He declared he had not ventur-
ed from the castle in four months, as
he feared he had been marked for
death.
Concealed Machine Guns.
When the correspondent went to
the castle to interview Taylor, il was
necessary to be accompanied by DO
lice escort. Entrance to the castle
grounds was almost impossible. In
front of the castle were two tanks
ready for action and fiett of motor
trucks ready for EMERGENCIES. On
each was mounted a concealed ma
chine gun protecting the entrance to
the castle.
Taylor has been in charge here
since Ian MacPherson's resignation.
Taylor admitted he would be greatly
relieved IL he were transferred from
his present post to one more con-
genial
Reports reaching Dublin today indi-
Gated that cattle driving had recon-
menced on an extensive scale. Eight
cen hundred Sim Feiners partici-
pated in driving catfle from fbe Ra,d,
In the counties of Galway and Ros-
common.
Great significance was attached to
the fact that Field Marshal Robert
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