The New York herald., 1922-05-07
Activities of Secessionist
Army Impede Travel and
Hinder Commerce.
DUBLIN PORT CRIPPLED
Bank of Ireland Threatens to
Close Branches Owing to
Seizures.

Special Gable to THE New YORK HERALD.
Copyright, 1922, by THE NEW York HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Dublin. May 9.
The growing paralysis of Irish
economic life is due to the activities OF
the Secessionist army youths engaged
In preventing subversion of the re-
public" a phrase invented by Eamon
de Valera, which is daily being more
forcibly impressed on Irishmen.
Expert witnesses testifying before
the provisional railway commission
declared that as result Of strikes in
recen years Together with the present
unfavorable political situation considI
cradle sections of the railways in vari-
GUS parts Of the country have been
closed while the service in other parts
has been restricted.
Irelands chief avenue for external
-Dublin-lil1evise is greatly ham,
pered owing to the seizure of the port
docks and board offices this week be-
cause il was good strategic site. Be-
tween 900 and 700 persons will shortly
be out of employment because of the
vital records which remain in the Of
fices. Many have been piled against
the windows as barricades to prevent
the glass from scattering. Tie port
dock commissioners sent a letter to the
secessionist executive asking at least
to have the records transferred. They
received reply stating that the seces-
sionists were willing to release the
books provided the commissioner sup
piled filled sand bags to replace them.
seizure OF Banks.
The seizure by secessionsts of over
$4,000 from branches of the Bank of
ireland in various parts of the country
has brought the threat from responsible
bankers that unless such raids ceased
they would close the branches and re-
fuse to continue business until order
Is restored.
The Bank of ireland transacts the
business of the provisional government
so the. seizures damage the government.
Collins in his last speech reminoed the
country that the effect OF these depre-
dations was to keep taxes high.
The seizure of hotels and private
buildings together with the fighting
which frequently causes the suspension
~ market days is inflicting a 'oss di-
reily on individuals The seizure OF
lar-e quantities of food to supply sue
cesgionst garrisons like the Four Courts
ln dublin, in addition to numerous pri-
yatr cars and trucks has caused further
iniD ries. The seccessionis-s in nearly
All cases where they seize food ,r COM
n,andeer hotels give receipts which the
dealers are hoping will be redeemed
with funds stolen from the banks.
Interference with the railroads has
oocn one of the most notable prases of
hr present warfare. The seces,ionists
sa disrupted traffic over large area
10 south, necessitating extensive re-
nYllng owing to the cutting OF rails
ra telegraphs to prevent communica-
cnI emanating from the small regular
arty, County Tipperary, from reaching
heir destination. After a siege of three
ays, the regulars being completely iso-
'atad, surrendered. after three OF them,
uciuding the commander, had been
Tcunded.
The secessionists also cut the rail-
'oads near almost every town where
ro-treaty meetings are planned to be
ne'd SO as to prevent trainloads of ex-
curgionists from attending the meetings.
So Ear the railway men always have
known about the removal OF the rails
soon enough to prevent accident.
The policy of the government has
beeu TO remain patient and furnish all
he help possible to remedy the diff
tuliies but not to pursue the offenders.
h is believed the offenders are only the
aherts of the political leaders and this
aennpaign of ruthlessness has only re-
iiitod in bringing an overwhelming
Ncpular support to the pro-treaty party
ghich consistently has called for law
Rnn order.