The New York herald., 1922-03-11
LIMERICK FACTIONS
| NEARER A BREACH
Relations Between Republi-
cans and Free 'taters Grow
More Strained.
FEAR SERIOUS CONFLICT
1rregulars May Attack Castle,
but Not Until Truce
Ends.

Special Cable 10 THE New YonK HERALD.
Copyright, 1929, by THE New YonK HERALD
LIMERICK, March 10. - Pending the
conclusion Of negotiations between the
rival leaders in Dublin. which early to-
day were reported to have been broken
off but afterward resumed, relations
here are growing increasingly strained,
and If definite break occurs between
the Irish Republican army regulars and
rather than the Free state, serious fight
ing is almost sure to follow.
IL bullets start to fly it is believed strong
mediating influences will be brought to
bear Immediately. but it seems most de-
srable that such mediators especially
American supporters on both sides, should
express themselves now and anticipate
the tragedy of Irishmen shooting Irish
men. The irregulars say that four or five
thousand reinforcements are on their
way. If this is true it points in only
one direction that there is the possi-
bility of a serious conflict.
Gen. Brennan informed THE NEW
York HERALD correspond ent tonight
that Thomas Dunno. former deputy
in the mid-Limerick brigade and one OF
the signers of the brigade proclamation
abjuring the provisional authority. has
severed his connection with the l. r. A.
mutineers, with the explanation that
he was opposed to the treaty, but would
not participate in civil war.
Irregulars Doomed to Fail.
The failure Of the irregulars to re-
spond to Minister of Defense Mucahys
repeated advances for a settlement
which would permit the irregulars to
feel that their end had been achieved,
seems to indicate that the irregulars
are determined to exact of him a plain
act of total submission. This they never
will get The irregulars want the regu
lars TO relinqush the castle where they
are garrisoned. The regulars will not
do this. The regulars expect now an
utimatum from the irregulars. This
will be rejected. Then, If the irregu-
lars haven't been bluffing, they will
attempt to oust the regulars, and fight
ing will have commenced. The present
truce. for it is virtually that, in which
friendly relations are preserved, will last
only until negotiations in Dublin are
concluded. Wherefore official quarters
are convinced that lighting IL it begins
will start on Sunday next.
While the negotiations are in prog
ress, however. there is hope. According
TO a clearer Interpretation of the point
of view of the irregulars this occupation
Of Limerick Is simply a piece of political
strategy The Provisional Government
obviously is trying to establish itself 50
firmly with the supporters OF the Greatly
that the people, at the elections. VIII
feel, If they vote against the Greatly. that
they are tearing down an established
III he fttn n.eY.
hand, are doing their utmost TO preserve,
as they say che Republic. In other
words, all this maneuvering Is an at
tempt by each side to clothe Its rccpec-
tive institution in the sanctity that the
mind gives TO things existing as against
those which do not exist
The motto OF the irregulars, which ap-
pears as the dominant sentence on a
new handbill that was circulated to-day
is "The Republic Still Lives" The bill
is addressed especially to "men who
have come to Limerick to support the
Provisional Government" 1t urges them
not to fight to subvert the republic ''ir-
fore the Irish people have sanctioned
such subversion," and also urges no CO.
operation with the British.
The irregulars also have issued re-
ply to Richard Mulcahy. principally
denying his statements and declaring
that the mid-Limerick brigade's procla-
nation, which the Minister of Defense
declared was issued before the British
troops had evacuated the barracks, was
issued after the /. r. A. headquarters
had decided not to have the mid-Lim-
erick brigade take charge OF them.
IrreguIars Reinforced.
The irregulars received few more
troops to-day. Their two armored cars
showed more activity. Also they arc
extending their holdings. having taken
up Judgments and positions close to the
castle.
In the event fighting breaks out the
regulars will allow the irregulars to
take any parts OF the city they desire.
hoping that they will continue to make
seizures OF property throughout the COM
munity. so that the citizens VIII find
their presence irksome and continue
bringing pressure TO bear To make them
esacuate the city. The citizens already
feel the pinch, as the hotels are filling
rapidly with soldiers, from whom the
prospects OF any pay for lodging and
rationing seems remote. In addition 10
these men on its hands, the town has
about 5000 unemployed. and the citizens
say that every one feels the pinch Of
economic depression. The merchants
fear to take action lest they may in
cite the soldiers TO demolish houses. but
the irregulars thus far have been very