The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-23

Michael Collins. most romantic figure in the Irish struggle, Is dead, this morning, shot to death from ambush, by assassins. The killing is said to be in revenge for the killing of Harry Roland. But Roland was shot in open fight. He had the rights and the death of a soldier. Collins who was a fair fighter, generous and humane. died the death that too often the generous die and the just, in time of national up- heavaI.
 Collins lived and fought in the light of religion. He was a Christian soldier, who carried into war as far as might be, the spirit of humanity. How wars are carried on may be learned from the historical part of the Scriptures. and from all of his- tory. The leader in a war must not be too Christian, not too humane, or more blood will be shed, greater perils will arrive. and more misery will flow.
 
 Modern practice in every field is built upon the lessons de1ived from study of the actual phe- nomena. What condition is like ly to come to Ireland as a result of these happenings? A condi- ton of anarchy, assassination. loot and misery, in a. country in which a, vast maority of the peo- pie want peace. rest and happi- ness?
 In such situations, unless the nation has within it no power of recuperation and is doomed to destruction. dictator usually arises, who Is ruthless to be mer- ciful, and with the sword and the strong arm restores tranquil ity by crushing opposition.
 Thus it happened in Russia, when the strong government of Lenine seized the power from administrations which had an- nounced that there should be no death penalty for any offense of rehellion An evil government, if one chooses, but a stronger government, providing a higher degree of safety The begin nings of a dictatorship are never satisfying: liberty disappears; ancient crue1ties are renewed. but a dictatorship is far less cruel than anarchy.
 
 Ireland must come to order, or presently a dictator will be raised up there, who win borrow from Cromwell, Cromwell. carrying Drogheda by assault, and '-being in the heat Of action put the whole garrison to the sword"
 "T am persuaded" he said, WILL LcIio IO pk LAA0 effusion of blood in the future"
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 Thus it was in France, when Napoleon restored order with cannon, and governed the coun- try for thirty years or more, with internal tranquility. but in con- stant war with the rest of Flu rope. Thus it has been many, many times in the history of the world.
 That is to say, a strong man must arise in Ireland with the will and the ability to put down violence. or Ireland will have mary an unhappy year ahead to measure against the unhappy years which have gone before.
 
 America has lessons to learn In New Haven certain election officials are under arrest, accused of grave offenses against the bal lot. Those who corrupt the ballot are also assassius, secre of the security of the state breeders of anarchy, and com pe1lers of violence.
 
 The Republic was 1aboriousl! constructed, in a simple time when lives were simply lived. I arose out of the corruption O another state, without intention by pressure of necessity. It duration depends upon the fidei ity with which each citizen think the thoughts and performs tn duty of a citizen, honorably an' faithfully.
 The corruption of the ballo1 by false count. by purchase O votes. by falsifica ton of the lis by subornation of legislation an legislators, or in any other way finally destroys the republic, pro duces anarchy, creates a dicta torShip and turns the cycle bac to deSpotism.
 In America how common the resort to violence; how fire quent are assassinaticns; how o1 ten is lynch law resorted to, an fraud committed. Violence is on of the answers which the un verse makes to fraud.
 800 NUTMEG ELKS AT
 LAKE COMPOUNCE FRO Bristol, Aug. 23.-About 500 I representing lodges from Bristol, terbury New Britain, Meriden, v