Today -100: April 10, 1922: Is it by civil war and the shedding of the blood of our brothers that we can win peace and freedom?

Michael Collins warns, “Is it by civil war and the shedding of the blood of our brothers that we can win peace and freedom?” That’s a trick question, right? “That is the language of treason, not patriotism.” If there is a civil war, as he says looks likely unless there is “an immediate change in tone and tactics” – and he’s lookin’ at you, De Valera – the British will return.

The IRA attempt to wreck a train they wrongly believe Collins is on.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (both great, as Alan Sherman said) is in the US, lecturing (sigh) on spiritualism. He says he’s personally spoken with 20 ghosts.

The Countess Markievicz is also lecturing in the US, attempting to drum up support for the Irish Republic and against the Treaty. I wonder if she and Doyle came over on the same ship. That would have been awkward.

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