THE IRISH TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1922, Page 5

THE IRISH TREATY.

AN EARLY DECISION. THE DAIL TO MEET. RATIFICATION URGED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 3, 8.50 p.m. London, Jan. 3. Over eighty county district councils, farmers* associations, Sinn Fein clubs; and chambers of commerce passed ratification motions. The Daily News’ Dublin correspondent states all attempts to avoid an open conflict in the Dail Eireann have failed, and a new flood of bitter oratory is expected to-day. The new newspaper, the Republic of Ireland, is most uncompromising. The first editorial expresses the opinion that even if the rejectionists stood aside and allowed a Free State Parliament to rule the people would certainly raise up separatist leaders, as did Pearse against John Redmond. The writer is of opinion that a Free State is likely to attract the rich propertied and

commercial classes, and would become intensely conservative, and the treaty’s only fruit would be a denation: ’sed, corrupt and materialistic British protectorate, mockingly styled a Free State. The country would become less free and more British until a new ieliverer was found, when the nation would be compelled again to battle against the British Empire for honor, God and the freedom of Ireland.

Profeasor O’Rahilly’s pamphlet in defence of the treaty reveals that Mr. de Valera’s document number two does not propose a republic, but contemplates Ireland’s association with the Empire for defence in peace and war, and the treaty’s recognition of the King as head of the association. Professor O’Rahilly points out that an associated State is not practicable and would entail the concurrent approval of Britain and all the Dominions. Mr. de Valera’s proposed externa! and internal powers of Ireland do not differ from those the treaty conferred. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AN IMPROVED TONE. REPUBLICANS TROUBLESOME. London, Jan. 2. Most reviews of the Irish situation forecast an improved tone towards the treaty when Dail Eireann meets, but the irreconcilables do not mean to be silent. Commenting, the Pall Mall Gazette says: “The split in the Cabinet and the ranks of DaH Eireann has had drastic results, and there is bitter feeling between the two parties. Some of the irreconcilables have vowed that they will never give up Repub-.-’-'janisiu, but will fight the new Irish administration as they fought Dublin Castle. It is feared the* approval of the treaty by Eireann will be signalised by activity among this group, some of whom may seek to raise trouble in any form presenting itself.”

TREATY MUST BE 'ACCEPTED. London. Jan. 2. The Archbishop of Cashel, in a sermon, said that there was no hope of peace at the New Year, unless the treaty was ratified. The will of the people must and would prevail, and their will was in favor of ratification.