THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

CABLE NEWS

IUSWI.UUA.N AND N.Z. CAULS ASSOCiA'XION. NOT A FREE STATE. BUT CAPITALIST COUNTRY. LONDON, January 3. The “Daily News” correspondent at Dublin States that the new Dublin newspaper, “The Republic of Ireland,’ discussing the proposed terms of settlement is against ratification. Its attitude is most uncompromising. In. its first editorial it expresses the opinion that even if those who are for rejection stood aside, and allowed the Free State Parliament to rule, the Irish people would certainly raise up new leaders for a movement of separation from England, ns did Padriac Pearse against John Redmond.. Tile paper is of the opinion that the free state would he likely to attract rich, propertied, and commercial classes. It .would become intensely conservative. The Treaty’s only fruit would be a denationalised, a corrupt and a materialistic British protectorate, mockingly styled a “Free State.” The country, it says would become less free, and more Brtitisli until a new delivered were found, when the nation would be compelled “again to battle against the British Empire for the honour of God and the freedom of Ireland.

A DEFENCE OF THE TREATY. LONDON, January 3. Professor O’RahUly has written a pamphlet in defence of the Treaty. It reveals that Mr de Valera’s document Number Two does not propose a Republic. It contemplates Ireland’s association with the British Empire for. defence for peace and for war treaties, and the recognition of King George as head of this association. Professor O’Rahilly points out that an associated state is not practicable. H© says it would entail the concurrent approval of Britain and all the Dominions. He states Mr de Valera’s proposed external and internal powers for Ireland do not differ from those which the Treaty would confer.

BAIL EIREANN RESUMING. THE DIVISION DEEP. LONDON, January 3. The London “Daily News” Dublin correspondent states : “All attempts to avoid an open conflict in. the Dail Eireann have failed. A new flood of bitter oratory is expected to-day when the Dail resumes. LOCAL BODIES FOR RATIFICATION . LONDON, Jan. 3. A total of over 80 County Councils and District Councils, farmers’ associations. Sinn Fein Clubs, and Chambers of Commerce have passed ratification motions.

BRITISH GENERAL ELECTION LONDON January 3.

The London newspapers are giving prominence to reports of the likelihood of an early general election to enable the electors to approve of the terms proposed for an Irish settlement which the Law Officers consider mean such a drastic alteration in Imperial relations that they would need electoral sanction.

The Conservative mind, however favours a postponement of the election until autumn in older to allow a r®form of the House of Lords to be carried out. Mr Lloyd George’s decision is eagerly awaited. DAIL EIREANN RESUMES. 'deceived This Day at 9.40 a.m.j LONDON, Jan. 3. The Dail Eireann has reassembled. Mr O’Connor asserted that the Chairman of the Irish Delegation hail written to Lloyd George, saying lie had given certain guarantees in regard to Southern Unionists. O’Connor demanded to know what these were, declaring this peace was shoved down the necks of the Irish people by bayonets. Mr Beasly, supporting the ratification said members seemed to think more of political formulas than of the solid reality of the Irish nation. He

added that the nation was not made for the Dail Eireann, but the Dail for the nation.

Countbss Markieviez said she could not make a declaration of fidelity to the King and Commonwealth of British nations, which were holding down India and Egypt. Therefore, while Ireland is not free, 1 am a, rebel. Mr J. J. Walsh said nine out of every ten of his constituents favour the treaty.