THE IRISH TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 January 1922, Page 5

THE IRISH TREATY.

FEELING OF THE PEOPLE. RATIFICATION URGED. LEAD TO THE DAIL. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 2, 8.50 p.m. London, Jan. 2. All Dublin correspondents expect the Dail Eireann to ratify the treaty in consequence of the almost unanimous demand for ratification by public bodies’ meetings.

Mr. McEntee, rejeetionist member for Monaghan, resigned owing to disagreement with his constituents. Some other rejectionists are likely to follow his example. The opposing leaders continue to hold private conferences, seeking principally a dignified escape from a difficult position. The Southern Parliament, limited to members of twenty-six counties, must be hedd after the Dail Eireann, and this is the only assembly competent to finally ratify the treaty. It is believed in some quarters that after the Dail’s decision the de Valeraites will propose not to attend the Southern Parliament in order that ratification can be carried unanimously.

A notice forbidding emigration without the republican Government’s written consent ’has ’ caused surprise and consternation in Cork, where there have been heavy spring bookings. The Belfast authorities have received orders to suspend recruiting for all Irish regiments except the Guards. The Daily Telegraph’s Belfast correspondent, pointing out that the treaty permanently stops British recruiting in Southern Ireland, expresses the opinion that the British Government’s unpopularity in Ulster will be certainly increased if the army is closed to Ulsterites.

Sir James Craig, in a New Year message, states he proposes to strain every nerve for an honorable and enduring peace with unity, courage and self-restraint to bring Ulster through the year still closely bound to Britain and the Empire. Sir James Craig concludes that though desiring to close down, the recent pages of history in connection with the South, which is seeking to work out its destiny in a different path, he realises the genuine good feeling between the North and the South, ■ which is absolutely essential to the future happiness and prosperity of the people of both parties. The Daily News’ Dublin correspondent points out that the most important problems now are whether the provisional Government will be able to govern a divided country, whether a constitutional opposition can be formed, or Sinn Fein is faced with a ’Sinn Fe»n movement within itself, and whether de Valera ean control his followers. RATIFICATION DEMAND GROWING. London, Dec. 30. The Irish demand for ratification of the treaty is growing daily stronger. Already eighteen, public bodies, including two Sinn Fein executives, have adopted resolutions approving the treaty and instructing their representatives in the Dail Eireann to vote for ratification.

Mr. Lloyd George’s message has definrtelj- destroyed any idea of alternative proposals. The editor of the proposed newspaper Republic of Ireland. William Fellows, is one of the bitterest opponents of ratification of the treaty. He was formerly banished from England, but returned disguised and commanded the Galway volunteers. He escaped to America, where he was one of the most active in urging America to recognise the Irish Republic. Received Jan. 1, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 30. Sinn Ferners are holding meetings nightly in favor of ratification of the treaty. Even the Northern Counties are demonstrating a strong anxiety for peace. Scares of messages from county councils, district councils. Sinn Fein clubs, boards of guardians, farmers’ associations and trade union executives are being received in Dublin favoring a settlement.