Impartial Reporter. April 1 1915. THE BISHOP’S PROTEST AGAINST HORSERACING. The Bishop of London entered an emphatic protest against the light and overweening spirit of optimism which prevails in many quarters and against frivolities. In his lordships view the people have not yet awakened to the seriousness of this terrible war. It is time they did. Against horse racing and on the drink question the Bishop spoke with all the fervour at his command. “This question of the drink traffic should and must be taken up more strongly. It is our first through importance to the nation and should have been dealt with before. And there is racing. I am dead against that so called sport and amusements like it at this terrible time. I say nothing against healthy recreation. That, of course, should continue as usual. The business man can, of course, have his round of golf to keep him fit. There is no harm in that, but there should be no unseemly levity in this great crisis.”
Impartial Reporter. April 1 1915.
THAT LITTLE CHAP OF MINE.
I know I’m just an ordinary, easy going cuss,
‘Bout the common run of men, no better an’ no wuss.
I can’t lay claim to anything as far as looks may ago,
An’ when it comes to learning, why, I don’t stand any show.
But there must be something more in me than other folks can see,
‘Cause I’ve got a little chap at home that thinks a heap of me.
I’ve had my ups and downs in life as most folks have, I guess,
An,’ taken all in all, I couldn’t brag of much success,
But it braces up a feller and it tickles him to know
There’s someone that takes stock in him, no matter how things go,
An’ when I get the worst of it, I’m proud as I kin be
To know that little chap of mine still thinks a heap of me.
To feel his little hand in mine, so trusting and so warm,
To know he thinks I’m strong enough to keep him from all harm,
To see his loving faith and all that I can say or do
That sort of shames a feller, but it makes them better too,
An’ so I try to be the man he fancies me to be,
Just ‘cause that little chap of mine, he thinks a heap of me.
I wouldn’t disappoint his trust for anything on earth,
Or let him know how little I just naturally, am worth,
And after all, it’s easy up the better road to climb,
With a little hand to help you on an’ guide you all the time.
And I reckon I’m a better man than what I used to be,
Since I’ve got a little chap at home that thinks a heap of me.
Ida Goldsmith Morris.
Impartial Reporter. April 1 1915. FERMANAGH NATIONALIST VOLUNTEERS. HOW THEY “AWOKE” AND DID NOT PARAD IN DUBLIN. From the local standpoint the most significant feature of the Nationalist Volunteers parade in Dublin on Sunday was the absence of the Fermanagh and Monaghan Volunteers, also the Volunteers of South Tyrone, South Donegal, and of the Manorhamilton District in North Leitrim. About one month ago a meeting of commanders was summoned to meet in Enniskillen for the object of arranging to send at least 500 men from Fermanagh. Only two persons put in an appearance!
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. HE KICKED CUPID OUT OF CAMP. AN OFFICER’S CURE FOR LOVE SICKNESS. Lieutenant Crosby Smallpiece, Army Service Corps, son of Dr. Donald Smallpiece, Felstead, Essex, and the nephew of Lord St. Davids, tells the following amusing story in a letter written at the front.
“For some time the section of which I am in command was sent to rest at the base and it is part of my duty to censor all the letters the men wrote home. They had nothing else to do but write letters, and the censuring became a very serious business for me as I frequently had at night carefully to wade through 150 love letters. So I decided to introduce a change if possible, and one day I motored to the nearest town, Boulogne, and there bought a football, which I took back for my men to play with. The result was quite magical. The money I gave for the football proved to the best investment I have ever made. Then took to it so keenly that they played football all day, and had very little time left in which to write love letters. After the introduction of the football I never had more than five love letters to censor at night.”
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. WATCH THE CRADLE. HOW A DECREASED BIRTH RATE MAY BE REPAIRED. AN URGENT DOMESTIC PROBLEM. Men are being slain by the thousands each week, and a great problem is to refill the cradles. That there will be a decrease of babies owing to the deaths of so many men is obvious, but the fact makes it all the more important that those who are born should be well born and well cared for and not just lost by callousness. We owe it to Mr. John Burns that the Notification of Births Act was passed, and it is important that the Act should be put in force everywhere. It requires that births should be notified within 36 hours instead of within six weeks as before. The earlier notification is in the interests of the child’s health, and many lives have been saved by the Act since it was passed in 1907. Where the Act is adopted a health visitor is appointed, whose duty it is to visit nursing mothers, and to attend those homes where she can render the most service. The Kent County Council proposes that the Act shall be adopted throughout the country.
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. THE BLOCKADE. A LIVERPOOL STEAMER SUNK IN THE CHANNEL. The Liverpool steamer Delmano bound for Boulogne was stopped in the English Channel on Thursday. The crew were allowed 10 minutes to leave the vessel, and the ship was then torpedoed and sunk. The crew, who stated that they were shown every consideration by the Germans, were taken to the Isle of Wight coast, and arrived later at Portsmouth. The Delmano was a vessel of 3,459 tons gross and belonged to the British and Chile Steamship Company, Liverpool.
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. WAR NEWS. The regimental band of the Irish Guards, and the drums of the Reserve Battalion of the regiment, are about to make a tour in Ireland. They will arrive in Dublin on Saturday next. The tour is undertaken mainly in the interests of recruiting for the regiment.
Just before the beginning of the present war it was stated that there were 2,000 generals in the Russian army, of whom the great majority received their rank not for military merit, but through patronage or personal service. It is safe to say that very few of the 2,000 generals now hold commands under the Grand Duke Nicholas.
More qualities are required in a modern general than those which formerly sufficed. It is still true that any Army marches upon its belly, but it does not march in the same way. “Napoleon,” said General Joffre to an interviewer, “profess to gain his battles with his soldiers’ legs. We gain ours with our locomotives. That is the difference.” Consequently it is necessary that the Army Commander in these times should fully appreciate the working of railways.
Throughout the war the French railway organisation has worked wonderfully. During the first 10 days some 2,500 trains were dispatched, of which all but 20 ran with absolute punctuality. In the second week about 2,000 trains were dispatched, and there were no delays. Ever since then, in spite of all sorts of unexpected demands upon the service, and the vicissitudes caused by the alternate retreat and advance of the French Northern Army, the railways have continued to work wonderfully.
Some 500 of the graduates and undergraduates of the Queen’s University, Belfast, have responded to the call of King and Country.
A court martial has sentenced M. Dexlaux, Chief Army Paymaster of France, to seven years’ of solitary imprisonment and military degradation for misappropriation of military stores. Madame Bechoff, his mistress, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, and a private soldier Verges to one year’s imprisonment.
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. THE FUTILITY OF THE GERMAN BLOCKADE. Since the beginning of the submarine blockade on February 18th until Saturday – 7,401 ships have sailed from or to the British Isles. Three have been sunk or captured by the enemy cruisers, one has been sunk by a mine, and 22 have been sunk by submarines.
Since the beginning of the war – 43,734 ships have sailed or arrived. 54 have been sunk or captured by cruisers. 12 sunk by mines. 33 sunk or captured by submarines. 42 fishing vessels have been sunk or captured.
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. DRINK AND THE WAR. Greenock Sheriff’s Court afforded us a few days ago some revelations as to the class and earnings of the men who are tempted to idleness by the lure of drink, and who are impatiently demanding at this national crisis more wages. John Graham, wearing a war badge as a riveter engaged on Admiralty work, just now almost as important as fighting in Flanders, though infinitely safer and better paid, was charged with breaking a probation bond to which he had entered to abstain from drink, not to neglect his children and to keep at work. It appeared that this oppressed son of toil earned £6 a week when he chose to labour. This rate of payment, however, could not allow him to get and stay drunk far more than three or four days out of the 5 and a half of employment and so no doubt, he was one of the most vehement of the party on the Clyde demanding higher terms. £6 a week for the roughest of mechanical work! This fellow, it was proved, had not given his family sufficient food and clothing and his rent was unpaid. He has again escaped punishment on the ground that his services were required at Government work. The case provides its own moral. Pet of Radical politicians, pampered by a Radical Government, pandered to by Radical newspapers – there are too many John Grahams in the labour world, who have lost all sense of personal responsibility and whose passions and caprices form their sole rule of conduct. It is the competent, thoughtful, industrious men with whom there is no trouble.
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. KILLED IN ACTION. News has been received by his sister, Mrs. P. Galligan, Diamond, Enniskillen, of the death in action on the 16th inst. at the battle of Neuve Chapelle of Second Lieutenant P. B. Rohan, of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Deceased officer was a Quartermaster Sergeant in the Irish Guards, but was promoted on the field of battle to a commission in the York’s in the month of January last. He was in the thick of the fighting since the outbreak of hostilities until he fell at Neuve Chapelle. He was 33 years of age.
Fermanagh Times April 1st, 1915. THE MAN BEHIND THE PLOUGH.
They sing about the glories of the man behind the gun,
And the books are full of stories of the wonders he has done;
There is something of sort of thrilling in the flag that’s waving high,
And it makes you want to holler when the boys go marching by;
But when the shouting over and the fighting’s done somehow,
We find we’re still depending on the man behind the plough.
In all the pomp and splendour of an army on parade,
And through the awful darkness that the smoke of battle’s made;
In the halls where jewels glitter and where shouting men debate;
In the palaces where rulers deal out honours to the great,
There is not a single person who’d be doin’ business now
Or have medals if it wasn’t for the man behind the plough.
We are a-building mighty cities and we’re gaining lofty heights,
We’re a-winning lots of glory and we’re setting things to rights;
We’re a-showing all creation how the world’s affairs should run;
Future men will gaze in wonder at the things that we have done,
And they’ll overlook the fella, just the same as they do now,
He’s the whole concerns foundation – that’s the man behind the plough.
Chicago Herald
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. DRINK AND THE WAR. THE KING’S DECISION. We are authorised to state: – “By the King’s Command, no wines, spirits, or beer will be consumed in any of His Majesty’s Houses after today. The notice dated 6th of April (the date of its publication), so that the prohibition came into force yesterday (Wednesday.)
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. THE FUNERAL OF MR. THOMAS MCKENNA, merchant, Irvinestown, took place on Friday and the dimensions of the cortege that followed the remains to the cemetery attested the respect in which the deceased gentleman was held.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. THE FERMANAGH HOSPITAL. Why has not a single penny been contributed to the Fermanagh Hospital from collections taken in any of the Roman Catholic Churches while during the past year alone a sum of over £40 was given to the Institution as the result of collections in 17 Protestant Church? Which denomination derives the more benefit from the excellent treatment given in the hospital?
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. BALLINAMALLARD CATCH MY PAL. (Ed A temperance organisation much followed in the Fermanagh Times and Impartial Reporter.) The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday with the Rev. W. T. Brownlee in the chair. An enjoyable programme was contributed. Rev. A Duff, Pettigo delivered an interesting address. A strongly worded resolution was passed appealing to the Government to enforce prohibition of the sale and manufacture of intoxicating liquor not only during the war but for six months after it ends.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. LOCAL MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. THE 11TH BATTALION ON HOLIDAYS. Our streets have been rendered quite lively during the past week by the presence of some hundreds of the men of the 11th and other battalions of the Enniskillen Fusiliers home on a few days’ holidays.
The boys from Randallstown looked remarkably well, presenting a healthy, smart appearance, which one would hardly have anticipated after the many stories which have been circulated regarding the alleged dirty and unhealthy condition of the camp at Shane’s Castle. These stories, it would now appear, have been grotesquely exaggerated and if any proof of this were to be found it is in the sound physical fitness of those who have been residing there during the past few months.
Their holidays were graced with good, bright, although somewhat cold, weather and throughout Fermanagh the khaki lads were to be seen everywhere, visiting friends and relatives and incidentally doing a little quiet recruiting.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. A LETTER FROM THE FRONT. Canon G. G. Parkinson Cumine, Newtownbutler, has received the following vivid letter from his son who went to the front with the first Canadian contingent.
“I was very glad to get the Impartial Reporter and Fermanagh Times. I wish we could have some of those fellows who hustled that recruiting sergeant in Enniskillen a week here would cure them of that kind of thing. If some of the Irish boys –and they are in the majority here –could express their feelings about such cowards who are afraid to fight their country’s battles – well, they would put lots of true Irish feeling into it and the doctors would do a fine trade – not to mention the undertakers!
If those at home could understand the feelings of aversion the average soldier has for those unfortunate men who do not have the “spunk” to do their bit, they would never look an honest man in the face again. They seem to think they have done their duty cheering the soldier as he goes out or returns as the case may be.
I was passing a house just after the Germans had been shelling a village in which we were for a rest, and I went in to see the effect of the shells. There was an old man and his wife there, and for them it was the end of the old home. They were both French. The old chap took me upstairs to see the damage muttering “Les Allemandes! Les Allemandes” and then he would draw his hand across his throat, and shake his fist towards the German lines, just to show us how he felt. In the attic everything was confusion – broken tiles and splintered wood. In one corner stood a little rocking horse and a few children’s toys, which the old fellow picked up only to put them down again.
He told me how they had been sleeping in a lower room a night or so before the shells came and had only moved in time, for I saw where the big pieces of shells and the shrapnel bullets had pierced the roof, two floors and the bed – it was a sorry sight, and I could picture the once happy home, with its pleasant memories now wrecked and ruined by a cruel war. The old lady stood in the kitchen and as I went out I simply shook her by the hand – I just couldn’t tell her how sorry I felt –it would make anyone sorry to see her as the tears rolled down her cheeks. If some of the boys at home could see a sight like this, and picture their homes in ruins and their parents broken hearted they would no doubt take a tumble-to-themselves as they say in the West!
I was in the village some time ago for a few days’ rest, and we had coffee in one of the houses – the poor old lady who served as had stuck to her home through all, and when we came in this time we found a shell had blown her head clean off –another for “German Kultur”. Before we left the village I was in a field at the back of a house when I heard a “silent Willie” whistles somewhere in the sky and then it stopped. When it stopped, I knew it was going to burst and that for at least 50 yards in front of it there would be nothing but death, to you bet I did not feel quite at home! I felt like breaking the latest 100 yards record! Then there was a roar and a flash only about 40 yards from me, but I only got covered with black dust and clay, as a shell had gone dump into the soft ground. I think, too, than I was behind the shell and so did not get the full blast.
Yesterday the Germans fired 36 shells at some houses and not one hit the mark although they smashed trees, etc. all around. The shells they use now are not half as good as the ones they used at first – instead of copper nosecaps they are using all sorts of alloy, and makeshift stuff. They managed, however, to set fire to some houses behind our lines yesterday and they kept firing at the smoke just like children. Our guns did not let them have their own way long, for they soon had several fires going behind the German lines just to show them two can play the same game.
I got the shamrock all right and you may be sure I was glad to get it! We all had some as the Armagh Guardian sent out quite a lot for the Irish troops. I was on guard on St. Patrick’s night, and I was trying to see down a path at the end of our trenches to an old farmhouse when star shells lit up the country just like day. Just as the shell went out a fearful cry went up – it simply made my blood run cold! Then up went another star shell, and some big guns flashed and I saw – a cat!! I pelted it with bricks and anything I could lay my hands on. I think it’s going yet! And I hope it is, for it made my hair stand on end as everything was quiet till it made itself heard. I saw in the Impartial that some people are still talking about Home Rule. If the people of the British Isles don’t wake up they will have no homes to rule soon – they will only have what the Belgians and people of Northern France have – the ruins of war in a once happy land.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. MADAME LEVANTE’S ORCHESTRA. On Friday night the people of Enniskillen will have the pleasure of hearing Madame Marie Levante’s clever and accomplished Orchestra of Ladies in the Townhall. The gratifying impression left by their last visit is still remembered and should be the means of attracting a full house on this occasion. Interspersed with the orchestral selections, will be solos, vocal and instrumental, and these will no doubt prove once more the wonderfully individual talent possessed by the company. The pity is that they will not be with us for a longer period, but certainly one delightful evening’s entertainment is promised.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. NOTES. Mr. Frank Brooke, D.L. of Shillelagh, a gentleman intimately connected with Fermanagh and Mrs. Brooke has recently landed in South Africa where they have gone to visit their ostrich farm.
The Earl of Enniskillen has arrived in Kildare and will remain for the Curragh Races this week.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. SIX MONTHS FOR NEGLECT. Inspector Mallon, N.S.P.C.C., summonsed Edward Lavery, who did not appear, for having neglected his wife and child. Ann Jane Lavery, Mary Street, said she made a statement in August last complaining to Inspector Mallon of the way in which her husband was treating her. In the course of this statement she mentioned that her husband had left her and that she and the child (of six years) walked to Belfast and found him the day after arriving there. Her husband refused to give her help and beat her. She and the child had to sleep out several nights and she afterwards traced her husband to Boyle, Co., Roscommon. In March she made another statement and mentioned that her husband deserted her in July. She afterwards met him in Lisnaskea and they stopped in the Workhouse that night. They again walked to Belfast and her husband enlisted, but under a false name and as a single man. Subsequently she met him again in Belfast and he said he had been discharged from the army. He enlisted once more and was once more discharged for misconduct. For the past three years she had only received three shillings and three pence from him for the support of herself and child. The defendant was a coach painter and, said the wife, could earn 30 shillings a week. Six months imprisonment with hard labour (the full penalty) was ordered.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. THE RISE IN COAL PRICES. 130,000 MINERS ARE WITH THE COLOURS. The committee appointed to inquire into the cause of the rise in the retail price of coal ascribes the chief cause to the general reduction of output due mainly to some 130,000 miners joining the colours. Contributory causes have been increased freight for seaborne coal and congestion of the railways. Coal prices in London and the Southern Counties have been seven shillings to 11 shillings per ton above the normal. It is believed that London consumers are paying a large surplus above the ordinary profits.
Fermanagh Times April 8th, 1915. LIFE IN A SUBMARINE. THE NERVOUS STRAIN. The Washington Sun and the World have published a picturesque interview with Lieutenant – Commander Claus Hansen, commander of the German submarine U16, describing his life at sea. “It is fearfully trying on the nerves. Every man does not stand at. When running undersea there is a death-like silence in the boats, as the electric machinery is noiseless. It is not unusual to hear the propeller of a warship passing over or near us. We steer, entirely by chart and compass. As the air heats it gets poorer and mixed with the odour of oil from the machinery. The atmosphere becomes fearful. An overpowering sleepiness often attacks new men and one requires the utmost willpower to remain awake. I have had men who did not eat during the first three days out because they did not want to lose that much amount of time from sleep. Day after day spent in such cramped quarters, where there is hardly room to stretch your legs, and constantly on the alert, is a tremendous strain on the nerves.
I have sat or stood 8 hours on end with my eyes glued to the periscope and peered into the brilliant glass until eyes and head ached. When the crew is worn out, we seek a good sleep and rest under the water. The boat often is rocking gently with the movement somewhat like a cradle. Before ascending, I always order silence for several minutes in order to determine by hearing, through the shell-like sides of the submarine, whether there are any propellers in the vicinity.
Commander Hanson prophesied a more effective blockade when the crews of the vessels had “found” themselves. He refused to say how long the newest German submarine could remain below, and the censor did not allow him to talk about the length of his voyages.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. TALKS WITH A PIRATE. Commander Claus Hansen, of the U16, submarine graphically describes in an interview at Kiel with the New York World correspondent Mr. Karl von Wiegand, how the German submarines carry out to the blockade of England.
Commander Hanson explained that the each submarine has a definite area to cover. His last cruise was assigned to the Channel, and he related the sinking of several vessels. “The weather was so thick that I couldn’t see far. I was compelled to submerge for hours. I came up in the vicinity of a small English ship, and ordered his crew to take to the boats. I then torpedoed her. As a number of French destroyers gave chase, I escaped by going down. The same evening opposite Havre I stopped the Dulwich, and to give 10 minutes to the crew to get off in the boats. They were often in less than 5 minutes and our torpedo tore a hole under the smokestack.
Next day we came up in front of Cherbourg, to have a look around, just as the French steamer Ville de Lille, was coming out of harbour. Evidently believing that was a French submarine which had suddenly come out of the water the steamer ran up the French flag, but then started to flee regardless of our signals. I saw two women and two children on the deck, and of course, could not torpedo a ship with women and children aboard, so we gave chase. The Ville de Lille finally stopped, and 24 men, women and children clambered with alacrity into the boats. I send four men aboard, placed bombs in the bottom and sank the steamer. They found a little terrier which had been abandoned. It fought the men with its teeth but was captured and brought along, and ever since it has been the mascot of the U16. I give the women and children some blankets and some food for themselves. The crew then took the two boats in tow of the U16 and towed it to opposite Barfleur, close to land, from where there was no difficulty in rowing in. Two days later he torpedoed the French Dinorah off Dieppe which, he said, was loaded with horses and artillery. There can be no fire because fire burns oxygen, and the electric power from the accumulator is too precious to be wasted in cooking and so we have to dine on uncooked food, when cruising – as you have seen, a kitchen and dining room are non-existent on our boat.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. IN THE DARDANELLES THE TURKS AND THE GERMANS STRENGTHEN THEIR POSITIONS. The British public may have taken too light hearted a view of the campaign against the gates of the Turkish Empire and will have to exercise patience and be prepared to accept heavy losses with equanimity, for the Turks and German advisers have had time greatly to strengthen their positions on each side of the Straits. Much hard fighting in which the Allies must suffer heavily may therefore be counted on.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. THROUGH THE WAR IS NEARING AN END according to a statement by General Joffre. At the Belgian Army Headquarters yesterday General Joffre personally decorated a number of officers of the Belgian General Staff. General Joffre had a long conversation with King Albert and with the premier M. de Broqueville. In the course of these conversations the General declared that it would not be long before the war ended in favour of the Allies. He added that he was happy to decorate officers of the Belgian General Staff and to make public recognition of the services rendered by the Belgian army to France.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. THE KING’S EXAMPLE. TOTAL PROHIBITION IN HIS HOUSEHOLD. The Press Association is authorised to state: by the King’s command no wines, spirits or beer will be consumed in any of his Majesty’s houses after today Tuesday. A meeting of the Cabinet Council will be held on Wednesday at which the subject of drink and the war will be considered.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. JOTTINGS. No application has been received for the vacant position of Medical Officer of the Tempo dispensary district. At the meeting the Earl of Belmore suggested that as all the young men had gone to the war they should get a lady doctor. It was decided to re-advertise.
Mr. Patrick Crumley, MP, suggested at the Enniskillen Guardians that the inmates be provided with knives and tin plates. The condition of affairs which existed in the house during the meal hours would be improved if these two articles were provided. No action was taken in the matter.
Private J. Hynes, Enniskillen, who was reported dead, has written home stating that he is still alive. He explained that another soldier bearing the same name and belonging to his company was killed that morning and it was thought that it was the Enniskillen Hynes, because he was in the same trench and not far from him at the time he was killed.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY IN PHOENIX PARK WAS WITNESSED BY 100,000 PEOPLE AS OVER 25,000 VOLUNTEERS WERE ON PARADE. The great parade and review of National Volunteers in Dublin on Sunday constituted a historic demonstration of National unity. From all parts of Ireland, from their remote villages of the West and South, as well as from the bigger centres of population, representative of Ireland’s National army assembled in the city to take part in a demonstration as historic and perhaps no less significant than that of 1782.
There is no doubt that critics, who serve a political purpose unworthy of the time, will not hesitate to argue that Sunday’s demonstration is in the nature of evidence that Nationalist Ireland has great material which it has refused to give to the service of the British Empire in crushing Prussian militarism in Europe. But if the truth of the situation is sought it will be easily realised that only a very small proportion of those who paraded yesterday feel themselves at liberty to join the colours for service abroad. The majority of them are breadwinners, artisans, town labourers and the sons of farmers whose services at home are absolutely necessary. While willing to sacrifice a good deal for the common cause, they do not feel themselves – and really are not – at liberty to give over their whole service to active soldiering in the regular army. Long years of continuous emigration has left Ireland a country of old folks and a limited number of young people on whom the welfare of the trade and industrial welfare of the country must rely. These latter formed the large majority who took part on Sundays great demonstration.
Fermanagh Herald 10th April, 1915. A FERMANAGH LADY’S WILL. Mrs. Margaret Jane Stack, of Ardess, Kesh, County Fermanagh who died on the 2nd of January last was the widow of the Right Rev. Dr. Charles Maurice Stack, D.D, Bishop of Clogher, left unsettled personal estate in the United Kingdom of the gross value of £9, 860 18s 11d. She left £50 to her servant, Annie Eliz. Virtue, and at the residue of her estate to sons, the Rev. Charles Maurice Stack, Walter Auchinleck Stack, William Bagot Stack, and Edward Churchill Stack in equal shares.
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. THE RESOLUTION OF IRISH BISHOPS. SELF-DENIAL IN DRINK. The following resolution was adopted on Monday at a meeting of the House of Bishops of the Church of Ireland: – “The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland desire earnestly to press upon all whom their words can influence the need for personal example and self-sacrifice in the matter of alcoholic liquor is during the present national crisis, in accordance with the splendid lead of our Most Noble King. The Archbishops and Bishop’s appeal to the clergy and laity of the Church of Ireland to imitate in some small degree the self-denial of our gallant sailors and soldiers by sea and land.
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. LATEST WAR WIRES. GERMAN AVIATORS CAPTURED. Yesterday evening’s communique states that Tuesday was calm along all the front. A Zeppelin threw bombs at Bailleue. Its object was the aviation grounds, which were not hit. Three civilians were killed. Two German aviators were forced to descend in the French lines, one near Raine and the other at Luneville. They were taken prisoners. Another aeroplane was winged by the fire of a French outpost at Ornes, north of Verdun, and one aviator was hit.
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. BRITISH DESTROYER’S DASH. SCOUTING THE DARDANELLES. H. M. destroyer Reynard yesterday entered the Dardanelles on a scouting mission. She ran up the Straits at high speed for over 10 miles, penetrating probably farther than any of our warships have yet done. A heavy fire was directed at her, but she was not hit. H. M. London entered the Straits after her and drew most of the enemy’s fire. It is possible that the Turks have withdrawn part of their artillery from here in order to mass it quickly at any spot the Allied armies might use for landing. The weather is rainy and murky, hindering aerial reconnaissance.
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. LOCAL MILITARY NOTES. Among those whose names have received prominent notice for valiant conduct at the front we are pleased to note is the name of an old Portora boy, Mr. Gerry Houston, who has been awarded the much coveted Distinguished Conduct Medal for valour under fire. Mr. Houston was carrying dispatches within the firing zone when the front springs of his bicycle were struck and broken by a portions of a shell and immediately afterwards the front tyre of his machine was blown away. Notwithstanding all this he continued his journey under circumstances of the greatest peril to himself and succeeded in delivering the important documents with which he was entrusted into proper hands.
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. LINER GREATLY DAMAGED AND TOWED TO QUEENSTOWN. The disabled Harrison liner Wayfarer, from an American port, with 750 horses on board, was towed into Queenstown on Tuesday afternoon by four tugs and safely berthed at the Deep Water Quay at 4.00. The naval and military authorities issued strict orders that no persons were to be allowed on board the vessel, and as the refusal included representatives of the Press it was not possible to obtain an interview with the brave captain of the disabled steamer, who gallantly stood by her. Practically all his crew left in the ship’s boats after she was torpedoed. Whether the steamer was torpedoed or an explosion took place among the cargo is not known. It appears, however that as a result of the explosion from whatever cause, seven lives have been lost, one trooper received severe bruises, and two horses were killed. As result of the explosion the engine’s where disabled, but notwithstanding that his vessel seemed doomed the captain refused to abandon her, and pluckily remained on the bridge giving orders to the few officers and men who are elected to stand by him and the ship. Among those on board and safely landed at Falmouth was Mr. William Thorp, formerly of Enniskillen, and now and for some time past one of “the brave soldiers of the King.”
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. ADVERTISEMENT.
THE CYCLE AND MOTOR HOUSE. Agency for Rover, Swift, Humber and Overland cars,
Rover motor cycles. SEE THE NEW ERNE, 2 ½ HORSEPOWER, LIGHTWEIGHT, TWO STROKE, WITH COUNTERSHAFT TWO SPEED GEAR. SIMPLE, SILENT, SATISFACTORY. All sorts of motor accessories, motor cycling suits, etc., in stock. Repairs. Garage. Josiah Maguire. Enniskillen.
Fermanagh Times April 15th, 1915. FERMANAGH MAN KILLED IN ACTION. DEATH OF A CANADIAN VOLUNTEER. Deep regret has been expressed all over the district of Kesh with Mrs. Gilmore at the loss of her son Robert, who was killed in action on the 22nd of March, when serving with the British Expeditionary Force in France. About three years ago he left this country for Canada, where he gave up a lucrative position and joined the Canadian Volunteers at the outbreak of the war. He returned to England with the first contingent, and during the period of training, was stationed at Salisbury Plain. In the middle of February he was sent to the firing line and after about a month, during which he went through many exciting and strenuous incidents and engagements, he was shot through the head, death being almost instantaneous. He was a fine type of Britisher, kindly, open hearted, and was immensely popular with everyone who knew him. One cannot but admire the grand spirit which prompts a man to volunteer in such a way.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. FERMANAGH DOING “VERY WELL” IN RECRUITING. Judge Johnston has paid Fermanagh the complement of stating that in the matter of volunteering and coming forward in defence of King and Country it has done very well. No one can complain of the county. The crisis has brought out some of its best qualities and when the men now in training go to the front they will uphold, we are sure, the best traditions of Irishmen in the field of battle. At the same time the rural population could do much more than they have done. If we deducted the young men of the towns and villages out of the khaki wearing battalions there would be little, indeed, of which to boast. We recognise the scarcity of labour that prevails in the farming industry and the anxiety to keep all the young men possible at home. Crops must be put in and in due season garnered. Food must be provided for the fighting forces as for the rest of us who are non-combatants. That is all true. Nevertheless the work could be done, the supplies harvested and still many thousands of young farmers and labourers could be spared to help the brave men who are just now there doing such valiant service in Flanders and elsewhere. If the Germans by any fatality got the upper hand there would be little harvest to look after in Ireland. Ruthless devastation would lay waste meadow and greenfield alike, homesteads as in Belgium would be given to the flames and red ruin would stride like a gaunt phantom over the land. In the Southern districts of the country, we are glad to notice, the farming classes are becoming more and more alive to the acute danger of the situation. They are becoming uneasy. They no longer sit complacently watching their cattle and their crops, taking it for granted the war is no immediate concern of theirs except in so far that it enables them to increase prices and enlarge profits. Too long has that been their attitude. We want a loosening of that selfish feeling here likewise in the North.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. THE DIETING OF OFFICIALDOM. Mr. Crumley is proving himself an economist, a reformer and a most admirable Guardian of the poor all at the same time. Evidently the Hon. Gentleman’s experiences in the House of Commons and his observations in his travels away from home are now bearing fruit to the advantage of the Fermanagh ratepayer. We have nothing but praise for the good sense with which he is initiating changes and making improvements in the ménage of the Institution at Cornagrade. There has long been a field there for a more intelligent administration. His latest suggestion deals with the dietary of the officials and has rectified it quietly and without entailing additional expense on an undoubtedly unnatural arrangement. Variety is as needful to the digestive apparatus of a nurse or a workhouse master as to that of the ordinary ratepayer. Hitherto the feeding methods have been cast in a steel mould, in which, and from which no suspicion of deviation in any direction was for a moment permissible. Now, thanks to Mr. Crumley, there enters a welcome latitude. Beef for every day in the week would weary the most carnivorously inclined among us and so provision has been made that the officials can obtain other food to a defined extent whenever they so choose. In that proportion will greater cheerfulness and happiness move the staff to nobler thoughts of duty in the future.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. LOCAL MILITARY NOTES. The present strength of the new Reserve Battalion, Inniskillings, now stationed in Enniskillen, is 11 officers and 300 men, made up of double companies as follows: – A company 121; C company 99; E company 91. These men have all joined since Friday the 14th Inst. The three companies are now located in the Main and Castle Barracks, Queen Street Barrack and also in the County Hall. We regret to hear rumours of the probability that we may soon lose the Divisional troops (Inniskilling Dragoons and Cyclists.) These men are exceedingly popular with the townspeople, and we trust the rumours prove unfounded. If they are taken from Enniskillen their probable destination will be Magilligan Camp. On Monday Sergeant Patrick Lynch, Dame Street, was buried in Enniskillen with military honours. Deceased who was in the 4th Battalion Inniskillings came to town to bury his brother. He himself took ill on Wednesday and died at the Military Hospital on Saturday. At the funeral the firing party was composed of men of the Inniskilling Dragoons at present stationed in Enniskillen.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS. Is there a certain section of the community in Derrygonnelly doing their utmost to harm the interests of the local creamery? What is the real object in the attitude they have taken up? Are the inmates of Lisnaskea Workhouse really underfed owing to the new directory system?
Is the public controversy at present being waged in Monaghan over the question of the Belgian refugees in at county not both invidious and in bad taste at this present time?
How many people in Enniskillen told the police last week that they had no room in which to billet soldiers?
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. DUBLIN AND DRINKING. TOO MANY INTOXICATED SOLDIERS AND WOMEN. The greatest anxiety prevails in Ireland as to the nature of the Government proposals for the restriction of drink, and suspense has reached a sort of crisis (today Wednesday, says the Daily Sketch,) when the Chancellor has consented to receive a deputation from the Irish licenced trade. On Tuesday Mr. Redmond, Mr. Devlin, and Mr. Dillon had a second interview with Mr. Lloyd George, and pressed upon him the necessity for exempting Ireland from any proposals under consideration on the grounds that, outside Belfast and one other small area, no munitions of war in any form are produced in Ireland.
As a result of the interviews however there is apparently less prospect of exemption entertained by the Irish trade than before. In support of the proposal that Ireland should be included in the Government scheme, Sir William F. Barrett’s and two well-known Dublin ladies have issued a statement showing the result of independent investigations carried out in Dublin licenced houses between November and this month. From one house under observation 65 soldiers came out, of whom several were drunk, and at the closing of the house the place was still so full that it was impossible to count the number inside. Women were loitering in the vicinity. In another case 94 women were counted coming out of the house in 25 minutes, all more or less drunk. Numbers of soldiers were inside with women. Another house was full of girls and soldiers all more or less drunk and behaving disgracefully. The place had side doors out of which soldiers and girls were put very drunk. The investigators add: – We visited many public houses during the afternoon hours. In all of them there were very many women. Many of the women were expectant mothers. Outside babies were handed to some passing child to hold when the mother’s went inside.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. PRISONERS OF WAR. LETTERS AND PARCELS SENT FREE. We have just received a communication stating that letters, postcards, parcels and money orders may be sent, free of all postal charges, to prisoners of war interned abroad and to British civilians interned in Austria–Hungry and in Germany. As well as the rank and, name, regiment, place of internment and country it must be clearly stated on the address that the person is “a prisoner of war” and the letter and parcels must be sent C/O G. P. O., Mount Pleasant, London, E. C. The letters must be short and clearly written and must, of course, contain no reference to naval, military, or political matters. No newspapers or newspaper cuttings are allowed to reach prisoners and the transmission of coin is expressly forbidden. Person seeking information and advice with regard to British prisoners of war are invited to apply to – The Prisoners of War Help Committee, Embankment Entrance, Victoria Embankment, London, W. C.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. DRINK LOSSES ON THE CLYDE ARE EQUAL TO 25 PER CENT OF TIME. A deputation from the Shipbuilding Federation that recently waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer has furnished him with additional information regarding the time kept by workmen engaged in steel construction. The figures, the Federation say, shows a serious amount of time which, owing to drink is directly and indirectly being lost to the grave injury of the country’s needs at this time of crisis. During the four weeks of March the aggregate amount of ordinary hours avoidable lost by ironworkers on the Clyde and in the northeast districts is 668,000 equally to a loss of 25 per cent on the normal working hours.
Fermanagh Times April 22nd, 1915. THE ASCENDANCY WHICH THE BRITISH AIRMEN HAVE GAINED may be attributed to his innate sporting instinct. “Cool, adroit and with that daring which is seen to advantage in an emergency,” in air duels he is more than a match for the Germans. The latter learns to fly with meticulous care, and handles his machine with a highly average skill, but does not possess at a crisis just the spirit of initiative which and in aerial fighting, more than in any other, spells the difference between victory and defeat.
Impartial Reporter. April 22 1915. DOUBLE FINES. The Enniskillen Bench of magistrates carried out at Petty Sessions on Monday the resolution announced at the previous Court, of doubling fines for drunkenness. Accordingly the customary fine of two shillings and sixpence for a first became five shillings; the five shillings for a second offence became 10 shillings, and so on to the 20 shillings became 40 shillings. The magistrates of other towns have followed the good example of Enniskillen, and the Guardian is urging Armagh Justices to do likewise. There need be no mercy extended to drunkards, especially in war time.
Impartial Reporter. April 22 1915. HIGHLY PRICED CALVES. We referred in the last issue of the Impartial Reporter to the high price of heifers. We learn now that Mr. Gamble of Rossawella, Belnaleck, sold a bull calf, 11 months old and three weeks( not one year) in the March fair of Enniskillen for £14; and two calves not one year old for £16; so that good prices were not confined to the April fair.
Fermanagh Herald 24th April, 1915. JOTTINGS. The news of the death of Lord Crichton in action has occasioned much regret in Enniskillen, where he was well known.
The record price of 76 shillings per hundredweight was paid for pork in the Irvinestown Pork Market on Wednesday. There were about 140 carcasses on sale.
At Lisbellaw Sessions Mr. George Law, for driving a cart without a light was fined one shilling and costs. Mr. Law considered that the fine was excessive, and the chairman said he was sorry he couldn’t change it.
For allowing a cow to wander on the public road Michael McMulkin was fined one shilling and costs. Mary Francis Knight was also fined two shillings for having three head of cattle and an ass on that thoroughfare.
Fermanagh Herald 24th April, 1915. A LISNASKEA FATHER’S HONOUR. Mr. John Neeson, Lisnaskea has the unique honour of having five sons in the colours. His eldest son John, who is attached to the 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded in action and is at the present time attached to the Army Medical Corps. Peter belongs to the 2st Battalion of the Inniskillings, James is in the Irish Brigade at Tipperary and Francis is at the front serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Inniskillings. The youngest son Patrick, who is only 17 years of age, is attached to the 4th Battalion of the Inniskillings.
Fermanagh Times April 29th, 1915. OBITUARY. COLONEL BLOOMFIELD. There has passed away in London a member of an old and influential Fermanagh family, in the person of Coronal Alleyne Bloomfield formerly of the Madras Staff Corps, aged 82 years. In 1864 the deceased gentleman married the daughter of Mr. Nicholas Loftus Tottenham, of Glenfarne Hall. The family seat of the Bloomfields was Castle Caldwell.
cunninghamsway 