The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1922-02-17
SEES HOPE COME
FROM IRISH. MEET.
Collins Is Satisfied With
Conference
HELPFUL TO SITUATION
Only Three Kidnapped Unionists
Have Reached Homes
In Belfast
EAssoc!.;cd Press Discatch. !

London, February 16.-Predict-
ing that coup d'etat in ireland,
Which resulted in the setting up
Of a soviet republic would ruin
lreland's cause for century, was
made by winstoa Spencer Church
hill, secretary Tor the colonies,
in moving in the House Of Com
mons today, the second reading
of tine Irish free state bill. Such
an occurrence was not at al!
likely, however, in the opinion o!
the British government, he said.
London. February 16.--Michael Col
Inns return TO Dublin after only
/ twelve hours in London and his ad
mission that he was not dissatisfied
with the results of his conferences
:. with government officials here are
taken to mean that the British evacu-
alton of South Ireland will be resum-
ed forthwith and continue interrupt
edly.
This will relieve the situation OF
one of its most serious features. No
official explanation of the assurances
given Mr.. Collins, however, has yet
been made.
No troops have been moved from
the south since Monday except 400
caYalrymen VINO embarked at Dublin
for liverpool last night. The other
troops which arrived In Dublin on
Monday are still here.
Notwithstanding declarations that
several kidnapped unionists were. re-
leased yesterday, only three have
latest dispatches from Belfast where
tension is still high.
Take Up Free State Bill Today.
The house of commons was again
10 take ND today the bill establish
ing the Irish free state Mr.. Church
hin moving second reading. The de-
bate is expected to occupy at least
TWO. days. - -. = =
The strife Ia Belfast, which yester-
day went from bad to worse, is caus-
ng greatest concern to the local au-
thoritics, whose efforts 70 stop the
disorders have failed. The outbreaks
are confined to certain areas, and
authorities attribute the bad feeling
to religious prejudices.
Troops are cooperating with the po-
lice in efforts to root out nests Of
snipers but small success has thus far
been achieved. and reports indicate
thai there will be furthe!' acts of ter
ror before the anarchy which is in
censing the great majority OF the
Belfast citizens is stifled.
, Deaths Reach Thirty Four.
Belfast. February 1.-THE day
opened with the death of five year
old child who was struck by bullet
while playing in the streets.
4 workman proceeding along Sea
ford street. in the Ballymacarrett
area. was shot dead.
Youthful gurnep held up workers
in the low market district and
wounded one OF them.
The authorities to-day command
eered Ulster hall, ordinarily used for
concerts and assemblages. for the use
OK the troops now engaged in com
batting disorders here. UP to ten
O'Clock this morning the casualties
had reached a total of ia with the
deaths numbering thirty four.
Attempt To Burn Workhouse
An attempt was made this after
noon TO burn the workhouse at Stra-
bane, North Tyrone, which the mill
tary had signffed their intention OF
occupying this week. A police pa
troll noticed the flames and the blaze
was checked.
The fire arms act is now in opera
ton in Northern Ireland and the au
thorities announce that II will be
strictly enforced. The possession or
sale of firearms without police certi
ficates is punishable by two years
hard labor. The period Of grace for
the surrender Of arms expires .Jatur-
day in Belfast and February 70 else