The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11th, 1922. THE TREATY AND AFTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11th, 1922. THE TREATY AND AFTER.

The tenns of the treaty of agreement ,between Ireland and Great Britain Having been ratified by the former the ratification by the latter will be given as a, matter of course. Peace, freedom, and self-government will then be within the grasp of the Irish nation. The ternm of the agreement have been accepted and a grateful feeling of relief pervades all quarters where the matter was of interest—within the Empire, in America, and on the continent of Europe. The ultra extremists are still loud in their opposition. They are few in number, but have been so much in the public eye, that they occupy a prominent position. On the one side there are thcf unappeasable personal following of de Valera, and* on the other side the Ulster die-hards. There is no real public backing to this opposition, and with a definite line of action now set, the fulfilment of the treaty terms will be brought to pass. There will be wild talk and doubtless some wild doings, but law and order will 'be enforcable under the treaty, and that established and the future so secured, Ireland will begin to work out her future with a well designed plan. The Dail (Eireann gave the treaty ternm a severe test. The majority who stood by the terms may be considered pledged to work out the destiny of Ireland on constitutional lines. That there has been no split among the majority in the face of the strong appealing opposition to prejudice and passion, is proof that those favouring the treaty are inspired by the highest national ideals—seeking the greatest good for the greatest number. This conclusion is very satisfying at this juncture, and gives hopes for Ireland’s future. Both Mr Arthur Griffith and Mr Michael Collina stood to their guns in a most praiseworthy manner. They were subjected to taunts from their! firiends in circumstances which were a great personal trial. Their loyalty and devotion to Ireland in. the hour of greatest crisis we are persuaded will not be in vain. As soon as the decision was known it was acclaimed \

all round the world, and the pleasure and gratification expressed was as much a compliment to Griffith and Collins ns it was delight that the age long feud was possible of a final settlement. In the thought for the times to-day we give a quotation from the speech ol: Mr Charles Stuart Parnell on the first Home Rule Bill. In the light, of late happenings, the portion of the speech quoted may be regarded as prophetic of things to happen to-day—and now happily fulfilled. The treaty is nothing more nor less than “tho way of founding peace and goodwill among nations.” It gives the opportunity “to close the strife of centuries, and to give peace prosperity and happiness to suffering Ireland.” What the first Home Rule Bill aimed at, the present measure proposes to accomplish, and Britain having wisely pursued the course now taken w ill leave the task of great accomplishment to the people of Ireland themselves to attain. It will prove a great responsibility, but if tho same courage and resource is shown in upholding the law as there was in defying it, there need be no fear as to the future of Ire - land. The people have their greatest opportunity, and they have the will power and tenacity to achieve the great national goal they should strive for.