The Irish standard., 1920-01-24
Sir Horace, i'm u. s..
Sees No Callers

A Strong Belief In the Minds Of Many
That He 10 Hero to Oppose Irish
MISREPRESENTATION at sanltarium
At Battle Creek, Michigan.
New York, Jan. 12.-When Sir
Horace Plunkett arrived in New York
recently; he avoided the newspaper
representatives and went direct from
the steamer to the sanitarium con.
Quoted by Dr.. Kellogg at Battle Greek,
Michigan. About the time that he
reached New York a rumor spread
about Ireland that Sir Horace was
dead and the rumor was only quieted
when a notice posted ON the door of
his home announced his safe arrival
in Ireland.
Since Sir Horace arrived at Battle
Creek he has been under the care of
the physicians in charge Of the sani-
tarium, and q special nurse has been
assigned to his room. He does not
leave his room to have his meals in
the public dining room, as is the GUS
tom with the patients at the santa
rum, save in cases of serious illness.
He denies himself to all callers and
even the local newspaper men have
been unable to interview him. His
continued seclusion, despite persist
ent rumors that he Is here to oppose
independence for Ireland, (and as spon-
sor for Lloyd Georges latest scheme
for "Home Rule" in Ireland, shrouds
his illness with mystery.
A representative of a New York
newspaper endeavored to interview Sir
Horace at the sanitarium and sent
word to him that a ten minute inter-
view, in order to secure his opinion
on 1reland's present status and her
future prospects, would be of great in
terest to the American people.
"The bellboy who carried the note
to the room of Sir Horace Plunkett,
quickly returned to escort the reporter
to the Office Of DR.. Harry Knapp, the
physician in direct charge of the case.
DIR. Knapp said that he has issued or
ders that no one be permitted to see
Sir Horace Plunkett, whose case re-
quired absolute rest. DR.. Knapp would
not admit that the case was serious,
although he was willing to say that
the patient was too Ill to be inter-
viewed. Besides" said DR.. Knapp,
"Sir Horace does not feel bit friend
ly to the American newspapermen.
When he landed in New York, he took
French leave of them, and to this
fact he attributed the cable to Ire
land, announcing his death, which has
caused him considerable worry. He
wants to forget all about Ireland, and
he must have absolute rest"
When asked If Sir Horace was we'll
enough to say when and where he
would make his first public appearance
in America, and under whose auspices,
DR.. Knapp replied:
II am standing between him and the
public. You may send him note, II
you please, and II he cares to answer
the question, will not object. But
l can say that he expects to deliver
his first lecture when he is able to
leave the sanitarium, which will be in
about ten days or So"
Acting upon the suggestion of DR..
Knapp, the reporter sent the follow
ing list of questions to Sir Horace
Plunkett:
"The American people are intensely
interested in the Irish question. Will
you be good enough to give me. brief.
ly, an answer to any or all Of the fol-
lowing questions?
II. Is 1t true. that, except for 'po-
litical crime Ireland is practically
crimelessl
Lecture After Leaving sanitarium.
"2. Why is the Army of Occupation
maintained in ireland? What is its an
nual cost? Does Ireland pay the cost?
Is there any immediate prospect Of its
being Withdrawn!
g. What does Ireland pay annually
in the way Of taxation to the British
government and what proportion of the
amount 10 spent in Ireland?
II. What Il the present salary Of
Lord French? Is his salary paid BY
the people of Ireland?
IS. What 70 the strength Of the
Sim Fefn Organization in Ireland to-
day? Is tho oFganization gaining or