Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 December 1919 — “TRAITOR TO ALLIED CAUSE" [ARTICLE]

“TRAITOR TO ALLIED CAUSE"

Methods of Hinn Fein Likened to Bolsbeviki,, Hay Unionists. | New York, Dec. s.—Methods of the ginn Fein were likened to those of the Bolshevikl by seven members of the Ulster Unionist council of Ireland, who arrived here yesterday on the steamship Columbia. In a statement to the press they said that they had come to the United States to protest against the spread of Sinn Fein propaganda. Six of the members of the mission are clergyman. "As an official delegation from the Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches of Ireland to the United States of America," the statement said, "we wish first to convey the greetings of the people we represent to the people of America. We are not here on a financial campaign. We are not here on a political campaign—American politics Is a matter for Americans and British politics a matter for Brit 1 - ishers. “We are here in the Interest of law and order, of truth and honesty, of fair play and principle, to protest against the pernicious propaganda which is being spread in your country in relation to Ireland. "Our mission Is not sectarian; we raise no issue. Our mission is to say to America that the Sinn Fein movement in Ireland, which is spreading Its propaganda in America, is not a solution of the Irish question; that it is radical and destructive in its methods;, that it Is conducting in Ireland a campaign of coercion, threat and assassination, and that ft is not supported nor respected now by the better type of people in Ireland, whether Catholic or Protestant, who have no Interested or prejudiced motive; that it was the party of rebellion during the war; that it supported and furthered the cause of the foe; that it was a traitor to the allied cause. “We wish to point out to the people of America that its terms are misleading. Naturally in America you would favor a republican form of government. The Sinn Fein calls itself a republic. Therein lies the danger. It is a movement akin to the Bolshevik republic in Russia. Their methods are alike. “We are here to say to America that this element is, according to their own announcement, asking the American people for several millions of dollars. It is your right to do as you please with your gifts, but we feel that you ought to know the purpose and the object for which millions are being raised. The republic does not exist and can not exist. “We are here also to assert our self-respect. If what these Sinn Fein agents say concerning the British government in relation. ■to Ireland as to brutality, domination and subjection, is true, and if our churches are opposed to Sinn Fein, then we are partners with the government. “We resent their untruthful propaganda, we are here to help your citizens, who know the falsity of the Sinn Fein appeal, to Inform the American public on the real situa- 1 tion. We know our mission 'Will have a wide hearing, for the report of your fair play and honor is abroad in our. churches." The delegation is from Belfast and soon will begin a speaking tour of the United States.