The "Battle" continues....
War of Independence, Jan. 1919 -- July 1922.
[Note added by Michael
Purcell 2010 - Following the letter from the Irish Transport and
General Workers Union a letter from Sinn Fein was delivered to
Carlow Urban Council.]
In July 1919 Captain Johnson, B. Company,
Norfolk Yeomanry based in Carlow Military Barracks, wrote to Carlow
Urban Council requesting the use of Carlow Town Hall in order to
give a "complimentary concert " to celebrate "Peace Day 1919" (19th
July, also referred to as "Victory Day").
Sinn Fein Cumann, Carlow.
Carlow 13th July 1919.
A Chara - I have been instructed by my
committee to forward to you the enclosed resolution, and to request
you to place it before your Council at its meeting on Monday 13th
July:-
"It has been brought to our notice that the
section of the Army of Occupation stationed in Carlow, are arranging
to celebrate the signing of peace by holding a dance in Carlow Town
Hall, the property of the people of Carlow.”
Mindful of the fact that Irishmen have been and
are being, arrested and imprisoned by this same army of occupation,
and that James Lennon, T.D. for the County of Carlow, is at present
in solitary confinement in Belfast jail.
And further mindful of the fact that in the
words of the Irish Hierarchy, “we have the evils of military rule
exhibited at our doors. In this ancient civilising nation the people
are not permitted to rule themselves through men of their own
choice. The work is done for them by some stranger without any
knowledge of the country".
Now, we, the committee of the Carlow Branch of
the Sinn Fein organisation, representing the political opinions of
the vast majority of the ratepayers of Carlow, earnestly request
you, the civil governors of the town , to refuse this application of
the alien forces in our midst, and thus protest in a very practical
fashion against the tyranny and militarism which denies to this
ancient nation her lawful rights.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Yours faithfully, Michael Behan. Secretary.
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The above is a true and
accurate transcript of the original document.
- Transcribed by M. Purcell c2010.
- Old newspapers in the PPP.