The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1922-04-15
Great Uneasiness Pre-
walls Not Only In Ire
land But Throughout
England, and British
Battleships Have Been
Sent In Case of Emer-
gency

Belfast, April 15.-(By the Associat-
ed Press 1.-TWO British warships
have arrived in Lough Swilly, Coun-
ty Donegal, northwest of Londonder-
ry, it was learned this afternoon.
What London Says
London, April 15.-The movement
of the British warships into the wa
ters of County Donegal, Ireland, an
nounced in Belfast today. is interpret
ed here as precautionary measure in
view of the tense situation in Ireland.
Situation Decidedly Serious
London, April 15.-(By the Associ-
ated Press. .)-Develcp in Ire
land over Sunday are anXiously
awaited here, in view of the Repub-
licans' seizure of the four courts in
Dublin and Arthud Griffith's determin-
alton to hold his pro-teeaty meeting in
Sligo tomorrow over the decree of the
local Irish Republican army comman-
der.
The situation is declared as very Sc
rious by the morning newspaper
General disappointment is expressed
that the peace conference between
representatives of the Free Staters
and Republicans adjourned without
any sign Of agreement and this is
commented upon as bad omen.
1t will be a surprise if Sunday pass
es in Sligo without trouble. Mr.. Crit
fith's latest statement was that he
was determined to fulfill his promise
to speak there, and there seems to be
every reason to expect that if he at
tempts the address a clash of the riv-
al parties will result.
1t is reported that since the occu-
patton of number of public build
ings at Sligo by Republican forces,
Free State troops have been gathering
there in considerable numbers Many
alarming rumors are afloat, one being
that the Republicans have laid plans
to seize the heads of the Provisional
Free State government.
Disavowal by the De Valera party
generalissimo, Rory O'Connor, of
starting another revolution by the
seizure of the Four Courts in Dublin,
fails to allay the anxiety of the Daily
Mail. The newspaper editorially asks
in effect that if the seizing of courts
and turning them into sand-bagged
-fortresses so as to prevent the coun-
try's judges from functioning is not
revolution, what is it? COR does
O'COnnor mean it is nothing to what
he will do neXt?"
The Daily News says the outlook
is one of almost unbelief and the
west Minister Gazette says it can
scarcely believe Michael Collins toll
erance will survive this outrage in the
capital of the country for whose gov
ernment he is responsible" If O'Con-
nors' attitude is anywhere misunder-
stood, it is not his fault as he spoke
in the plainest terms to interviewers.
The correspondent of the West Min
ster Gazette quotes him as saying:
I'VE have nothing whatever to do
with politics. We are plain men who
stand by the republic, all are pre-
pared to sacrifice our lives rather
than allow the republic to pass. 1t
may come to fighting but if it does the
responsibility for civil war rests on
the shoulders of those supporting the
treaty"
Trouble Seems Certain
Belfast, April 15.-(By the Asso-
ciated Press .)-Forces of the insur-
gent section of the Irish Republican
army are Strengthening their hold on
Sligo, where Arthur Griffith has an
nounced he will hold a pro-treaty
meeting tomorrow. The Republicans
have followed up their seizure yester-
day of the postoffice, town hall, guild
hall, and barracks.
The office of the conservative news
paper, the Sligo Independent, was
commandeered last night and an
armed guard is stationed there. This
position dominates Castle and Market
streets, where the postoffice is situat-
ed, and also commands Wine and
Knox streets, adjoining. The streets
are being patrolled by armed parties
of Republicans.