THE IRISH PROBLEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1922, Page 2

THE IRISH PROBLEM.

ICSIUAUAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. VIEW OF POSITION. LONDON, Jan. 8. f While much is being made of certain demonstrations of joy at the accept- . ance of the Irish Treaty, thoughtful observers hardly see in the wrangling acceptance of the charter, a cause for immediate rejoicing, but only the strongest grounds for a hope that Ireland will work out her own salvation, and demonstrate to the world that the future of this strange, wayward; incalculable race will be something better titan the black fulfilment of a tragic destiny. All observers, including many who long had an ardent sympathy for Sinn Fein aspirations, agree that the division taken in the lhiil Eireann does not reflect the opin-

ion of the people. Those who have visited Ireland since the agreement was signed, Irish and non-Trish alike, declare unanimously that eighty to ninety per cent will vote for acceptance, if a plebiscite is taken. If that proves indeed to be the ruling spirit, the whole unhappy effects of the long wrangle may fade, and leave no evergreen wound. De Valera is summoning his supporters to-night to discuss the position

DE VALERA’S REGRETS. LONDON, Jan. 8

Mr De Valera asked Mr O’Reilly to inform Australia that the heart of the Irish people was as Republican as a month ago. The wonderful opportunity of securing a lasting peace between the great countries which were the mathers of Australia, Canada, and United States, had been definitely lost. His own work aiming thereat, had been brutally turned down. Therefore the fight had to continue. | All De Valera’s party attended the presentation which was private. Ratificntionists and rejectionists held separate party meetings to-day. Hon Churchill, returned from Cannes expressed his delight at the ratification. He meets the Cabinet Irish committee on Monday.

BELFAST HOOLIGANS. LONDON, Jan. 8. Major General Cameron, military commander of Belfast, informed a loik Street deputation that he regretted the Ulster Government did not possess a special law for dealing with disorder itself,, with the result that the military had to carry out restoration regulations. He did not think there was a great political feud. The casualties were about the same on both sides. The trouble was mainly hooliganism. BISHOP’S VIEWS. LONDON, Jan.B. Cardinal Logue, in a statement, said the Treaty was necessary to Ireland. All tlie people wanted it. The Bishop of Down thought the victory of the Moderates offered a hopeful opportunity for uniting Ireland. While lie was not enamoured of the Treaty he accepted the Dail’s decision and hoped it would lead to all classes and uee is to live together fraternally.

A WAITING GAME

LONDON, January 9. In view of the narrowness of the majority for the treaty, and Mr Collins’ etatement that the treaty is not regarded as final, Sir James Craig has refused to comment on the ratification. There is a feeling in Belfast that there is going to be no prospect of Ulster joining at Dublin an All-Ire-land Parliament under the present conditions.

AMERICAN COMMENT

NEW YORK, January 9. The New York “Times” editorially states: —“The great talent for public affairs which Irishmen have shown m their far-flung dispersion among the other nations, is now to be tested in their own country. More than that they must overcome the unhappy impression made by a bad start. .They cannot fail to be aware how seriously the prestige of Ireland lias been hurt during the past month through insensate bickering and personal jealousy shown in Dublin, which have filled friends of Ireland abroad with amazement. It would not take a large cave to hold all the malcontents and the irreconcilables. The invincible Irish Americans, who dread a loss of their grievances and jobs could also get into it without crowding.

LONDON PAPER TALK. LONDON, January 9. The English newspapers while they welcome the decision of the Dail Eireann to ratify, emphasise that there are baffling uncertainties ahead, in view of the de Valeraites implacable hostility to the treaty terms.

The papers interpret Mr de Valera’s .declaration to the Australian Hibernians deputation as inferring a determination to offer more than constitutional opposition to the Irish ratificationist Ministry. Some press correspondents report that there is a grave danger of splitting the Republic army, resulting in warfare.

AN EVEN DIVISION

LONDON, Jan. 9. An analysis of the Dail Eireann voting on the Treaty shows that if the members bad voted by constituencies, the ratification majority would have been twelve, instead of seven. ENGLAND WELL SATISFIED. LONDON, Jan. 9. The papers state that despite opposition to ratification in Ireland, the British Government intends to leave nothing undone in the direction of expediting a complete fulfilment of the treaty terms. The Cabinet, Irish Committee to-day begins preparation for a military evacuation of Ireland, a general amnesty, and a transfer of military powers.

DE VALERA RESIGNS

RE-ELECTION REJECTED BY DAIL. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 9. De Valera and his Cabinet have resigned. The re-election of De Valera was rejected by sixty votes to fifty eight. The Dail Eireann met to-day tinder very quiet conditions. De Valera in tendering his resignation, said Saturday’s vote had subverted the Republic and Independence of Ireland. He could no longer continue, unless ha Rad the confidence of the Dail Eireann. Collins said no one wantedi to oppose De Valera. He suggested the formation of a committtee to safeguard the public safety, and take over Ireland from the English, who were going out, for the country. De Valera replied that ha would not have divided authority.

Griffths said that the Dail Eireann representing Ireland, had approved of the Treaty. Mrs Clarke proposed the re-election of De Valera to the Presidency.' Mellows seconded. Collins said that if they elected De Valera, it would make them a laughing stock