After criticizing the vacillation of the Government in the treatment
of the Mountjoy prisoners, Lord Robert Cecil expressed the belief that the raids on houses of those who were suspected of rebellion had been most unwisely cionceived and managed. Though some of the people arrested were no doubt guilty, others, he suspected, were quite innocent. For our part, we do not suppose that the raids which Lord Robert Cecil condemned would have been necessary in the manner in which they were carried out if there had been an efficient intelligence or secret service in Ireland. Such a service needs a great deal of building up, and requires much experience and cannot be replaced in a moment. We have often heard it said that Mr. Birrell, if he did not suppress the secret :service in Ireland, at all events starved and discouraged it. If that be so, we arc now. paying a heavy penalty for allowing sentiment to take the place of business.
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