The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 24, 1922. RULE BY ARMED FORCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 July 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 24, 1922. RULE BY ARMED FORCE.

In the recent statement made by the Irish Free State Government, it is asserted that “the safety and future welfare of the nation depend upon the power of the Irregulars being broken.’’ Referring to the position in the various counties, and to the opposition by the Irregulars, particularly where

■ people who overwhelmingly favor I the Treaty are ‘‘held in subjection to the Irregulars, who rule by no other authority than armed force,’’ it is stressed that, a peace built on a compromise with forces which have behaved as the Irregulars have behaved, would be a I peace too costly for the Irish nation. Ever since the new Irish Government announced its intention to cope with those who defied law and order there has been a growing sense of confidence in the ultimate success of the Government to crush out the rebels. In adopting the only sane and effective policy possible under the circumstances, the Government faced an exacting task, for the hold which the Irregulars had obtained was formidable, but the Government, having put their hands to the plough, are going steadily ahead, and already a creditable measure of success has been achieved—quite sufficient to justify the Government in persevering with the work of necessity on which they are engaged. That they are determined to put an end to rule by force is beyond all doubt. There can be but one Government'in any country if peace is to prevail. Some fairly accurate conception ean now be formed of the formidable difficulties the British Government had ,to contend with when governing Ireland, es-' | peeially in avoiding bloodshed, ■ and it is probable that those who , are now charged with the governing of their own country will be I the first to admit that Britain I erred on the side of leniency, for- ! bea rance and toleration more than was prudent, yet in keeping with the humanitarian spirit which finds such prominence in British policy. The suggestions that have been put forward as a prelude to peace may be regarded as an unknown quantity. They may mean much or little. It is, therefore, reassuring to know that the Government of Ireland appreciate to the full that no real peace can be obtained until the. powers of the Trregulas is broken. Much as a continuance of the present state of rebellion. and its consequent clash of arms, is to be deplored, the noxious growth on the body politic has to be exorcised in order that the safety and welfare of the nation may be established. No other course is open to the constitutional authorities than to meet force with force, and ultimately prevail. They are well aware of the danger of exhibiting the slightest weakness. It is a fight to the finish, and every success gained brings the end of the struggle so much nearer. The struggle is one that was bound to take place, and it is only a Government, composed of Irishmen that could proceed systematically to crush the organised bands who. for months past, have flouted the authority of the Government and committed outrages that are a stain on the country, while the people' in some districts are threatened with famine. Whatever may be the backing of the peace movement it cannot be expected that the Free State Government would recognise it. Nothing less than absolute surrender! can be accepted, as was the case in the American Civil War, when Lincoln turned a deaf ear to all overtures for peace, demanding unsurrender of the South-

era forces. In view of what is happening in Limerick, Cork, Mayo, and other parts of the country, it would seem that fighting and terrorising are more in evidence than any move towards peace. It is, of course, only a question of time before the new Government obtains a fair start in shaping the destiny of the nation. Meanwhile stern realities have to be faced, and, judged by its present policy, the Irish Government may safely be trusted to work out the country’s salvation.