The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 3, 1922. ALIEN GOVERNMENT’S LASH.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 3, 1922. ALIEN GOVERNMENT’S LASH.

What happens in Ireland is of much concern to the whole Empire of which tfiat country forms part. It may be fairly assumed that the state of civil war, now so deplorably evident between the Republican element and the Free State Government, is a misfortune that is keenly felt by all law-abid-ing people, more particularly because it has signalised the handing over by the Imperial authorities of the Government of Ireland to responsible Ministers of the new Free State, under the fullest system of Home Rule that can be enjoyed by any self-governing Dominion. Mr. de V alera, in a reeent statement, emphasised that those men who are “now being attacked by the forces of the Provisional Government refused to yield, preferring to die,” and he went on to say that “they are the best and bravest of the nation, unwilling that Irish independence should be abandoned under the lash of an alien Government.” The point which Mr. de Valera ignores is whether even an independent country, such as he has in mind, is to be ruled by the large majority, or, as in the case of Russia, by a few indomitable spirits claiming the right to shape the destiny of the whole nation. In view of the recent elections, no doubt can be entertained as to the desire of the bulk of the people of Ireland to remain an integral part of the British Empire, and to be loyal to the Throne. De Valera had an unique opportunity of setting an example in observing the agreement that had been arrived at concerning the Irish Constitution, and of helping to guide the future of the country in such a way as to produce internal peace, and make the . nation strong. For reasons best known to himself, he chose a different metier, with the result that “Irishmen to-day are shooting in the streets of the capital their brother Irishmen, old comrades-in-arms land companions in the struggle of Ireland for independence..” These ! are his own words, but he added it'iat this independence that was the cause of the trouble was embodied in a Republic. The .elections did not justify this latter statement. Moreover, he was also wrong in asserting that Englishmen would strive to blame Irishmen for this war. No statement could be wider of the truth. Throughout, the Empire, Irishmen' are rated at a very high value as a body and as individuals. The citizens of the Empire are proud of them and their ability to do great things, but none the less they deplore deeply that some of them have been led astray and have become a menace to their country. De Valera may be animated by high ideals, but the peace and welfare of Ireland is not a matter of ideals, but of good government, by Irishmen chosen by compatriots. Nothing can justify civil war for the sake of such an ideal as is represented in de Valera’s programme —a mere excuse for letting loose the worst passions of human nature involving murders and outrages, instead of peace, concord ■ and prosperity. The seizure of the I

Four Courts, and the desperate fights there and elsewhere, are samples of the methods adopted by the Republican element, and it must be remembered that it is the Free State Government and not the “.alien” Government that is now opposing these, revolutionaries. No part of de Valera’s statement is more, characteristic of him than the allegation as to Irish independence being abandoned “under the lash of an alien Government.” Such an assertion could only have one object, to inflame his followers and encourage them in their internal strife. Truly a most lamentable and pitiful spectacle is that of Ireland rent asunder under circumstances which should promise peace and contentment. If men engaged in civil war prefer to die rather than yield to a responsible Government, that is their affair, and indicates bravado rather than bravery. Apparently the real struggle in Ireland has only just begun. People may shudder at what will happen before the conflict ends. Only one termination is possible, and it. is sincerely to be hoped that the irreeoncilables will not be long before they recognise the futility of their action by accepting the inevitable. ? —.