Widnes Examiner. — 1913-11-15 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

THE IRISH DIFFICULTY.  Sir,—l crave your indulgence to permit me to protest against the assertion of "Phil Squod " in your issue, of the Bth, "that I palliate the misdeeds of anyone." I allow no one, either wilfully or ignorantly, to misinterpret me. With respect to the doings of the Manchester men, I tried to point out that Sergeant Brett was not intentionally shot. Surely that is not palliation of crime. Let "Phil Squod" carry his mind back over all 'the brutal and vicious murders he can remember being committed, and subtract from that the number convicted of the murders who were afterwards reprieVed for extenuating circumstances. Was the finding of extenuating circumstances palliation of the crime? Recently an engine driver was convicted of manslaughter, and was sentenced to a period of imprisonment, but was pardoned a few days after. Immediater3i after his sentence a wave of sympathy went over the country for him, and 'memorials on his behalf were extensively signed. When released, it is reported, he was carried shoulder high 'through the streets by his friends. Why? Had he done anything heroic? Were air those who thus showed their sympathies with him palliating manslaughter? I am of opinion,, were it possible for the Manchester men to be tried to-day, with twelve Chief Constables (English for choice) as the jury, the verdict would be manslaughter against the one only. The others would have been convicted of treason and felony only. I fully appreciate the sentiments' of "Phil Squod " when deprecating a people going about with loaded pistols, or guns, and concealed daggers, and trust he will still further use his epistolatory ability in writing a series of letterp, say, to the Marquis of Londonderry, Sir E. Carson, Galloper F. E. Smith, and Refugee Organiser Harold Smith, and express .his feelings of abomination at the introduction of such a tremendous number of rifles and ammunition into Belfast (I suppose they have also the bayonet attached), which are not intended for innocent church parades, or spectacular effects. It is possible his effort might have some result. If not, he will at least earn our respect for consistency. "Phil Squod's " scheme of Devolution and Federation, and I say this very respectfully, is not at present before the country; also it is not quite new. Mr. Alderman Bennett, of Warrington, has twice in recent years submitted a full and comprehensive scheme for discussion; and whatever faults or virtues it possesses, Nationalists look upon it as a delayal of Home Rule for Ireland. They , have been pleading,, working and urging for it for thirty years 'and more. • When . England, , Scotland and Wales ask for it Irish Nationalists will whole-heartedly help them to achieve their desires, but are not prepared to wait until they have -made up their minds. Personally, I believe the disposition towards the granting of Home Rule to Ireland is growing. Contrasting my own experiences of the spirit manifested towards it to-day against the early days of its advocacy, the outlook is most hopeful; although I may regret I am not disturbed by the results of some by-elections. They are merely the pimples or blotches on an otherwise beautiful face; whilst they may for the time disfigure, they do not cletermipe its style of beauty._