The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, APRIL 6th, 1922. UNHAPPY IRELAND

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, APRIL 6th, 1922. UNHAPPY IRELAND

The complexities of the Irish question with regard to winch Great Britain grappled for so long, are best ernphti' sisted by the condition of Ireland now when the ruling of the country is left tf, the Irish pfitm, fh? nation

rent into three main parties warring I against each other. The absence of a common foe brings into relief the difficulty of determining the situation so as to ensure peace. If Irishmen left to their own devices cannot agree as to a common basis of understanding without the useless shocking of their countrymen’s blood, how was it possible for British authority to accomplish the task, it failed to do? When Britain cut the Gordian knot of the Irish question, it was hoped a uay had been found at- lust to sol /e an otherwise eternal question. Tin, fate of Ulster was believed to he secure, and the Irish Free State Govern mem was fro* to mould its legislation, and administration so that ultimately Ulster might be and "brought within the corners of a united Ireland. But the Free State Government had to move circumspectly, for no sooner was the provisional government formed than the Republican element of the National party became most unruly partisans and imperilled the whole course of Irish affaut, Tne good f*ith and good will of both Mr Collins and Mr Griffiths to control the recitlcF Iranis have never been doubted, atid the British Government has displayed the fullest confidence in their word and action to succeed, but the late deplorable course of events in Belfast and on the Ulster border, coupled with the open rebellion of the Republicans. has negatived the value of the good, intentions on the part of the leaders of the lh-ee State. Matters have come now to such a pass that a special obligation is thrown on the nation to absolve itself not only lit the eyes of tile Empire, but also of the world, if Irishmen are to demonstrate their ability to govern wisely and well. To begin with, Great Britain is ixmnd to secure the protection of Ulster, this nnicn was propounded in the peace treaty and is not a new phase for the Southern Parliament to deal with. The immediate task of the Free State administration is to secure peace and establish authority in their own territory. The Republican element is palpably a hand of hot heads which needs controlling. Persuasive adv.ice seems to be lost on the leaders of those now causing such bloody turmoil. This opposition element does not regard the creation of the Free State with favour. They do not seem to appreciate the realities of the position created b.V the establishment of Home Rule. Apparently they will not recognise the authority which is in their own hands to direct. In that omission they seem to give proof of their own selfish aims which seem to be personal rather than national. Ireland is under the eye of the world now with the opportunity to work out it own destiny. Great Britain has prepared a fair field for operation, and with a magnanimous spirit has given convincing proof of tile British love of freedom by one of the most generous acts in all history. Is Ireland going to In ling down the opprobrium of the world for a national opportunity brought to disaster? Ireland is thus at the cross roads, and needs more praying for than ever. If Ireland cannot govern herself from within, why recall the mistakes and failures of those from without who strove so self-saerificingly mid with such earnest purpose to retain Ireland a strong virile nation.