THE IRISH V.T.C.
[TO THE EDITOR OP TEE " SPECTATOR"]
FM—After the Irish Rebellion you were kind enough to express warm appreciation of the work done by the Dublin V.T.C. men in the defence of Beggars' Bush Barracks, and we felt that surely the Government would give us some recognition. We had five killed and nine wounded. it is needless to recapitulate the hardships of those nine days—want of sufficient food and want of sleep, in addition to the dangers incurred and faced. What is the sequel f We were subsequently paraded without arms and thanked by Sir John Maxwell, and since then by desire of the authorities we have had to stop everything. Last week at a meeting of the corps it was decided, owing to the unsatisfactory and unfair treatment we have received from Government, to disband. Political and other considerations appear to form a stone wall which the Irish V.T.C. are unable to surmount. At any rate, the ninety men who took part in the defence of Beggars' Bush Barracks should have been acknowledged in some way. If they had received soldiers' pay for the time employed, the money could have been used to provide medals or certificates. At present there is a feeling of intense disgust at our treatment, and the appreciation of the V.T.C. men by Lord French as reported in to-day's papers is in words, not actions.—I am,
[We deeply regret to hear of the decision to disband arrived at by the splendid corps of loyal Volunteers who played so heroic a part in the Irish revolt.—En. Spectator.]
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