New-York tribune., 1917-07-25
Prospects of the Irish Convention

1t IS impossible to look forward with
much hope to the outcome Of the delibera-
tions which begin in Dublin to-day. A
fundamental condition of success was, as
Mr. Lloyd George admitted and as every
one recognized, that Irishmen Of all creeds
and parties should be adequately repre-
sented. In no other way was it to be ex-
pected that large assembly could finally
compose the unhappy discords which have
so long distracted Ireland and impeded its
harmonious development" Otherwise, IN
deed, tho prospect of success would be
more promising had it been possible for a
very few leading Irishmen to gather to-
gether and endeavor to work out q solu-
ton in private. AS it is, the convention
seems to be neither wieldy nor represent.
ative.
The fatal weakness Of the assembly lies
in the abstention of Sim Fein. No one
knows how strong that party is and no one
can know, for the plain reason that until
quite lately it could hardly be described as
a party at all. 1t was rather a school of
thought, but that it is now political party
which has taken definite shape, and has al
ready an immense influence in Ireland re-
cent events have shown clearly enough. 1t
seems to be excellently organized and
growing steadily in power, especially since
the amnesty for last years insurrection
and the general relaxation of repressive
orders. Obviously, it ought, under the cir
cumstances, to be represented in an assem-
bly, called for the purpose of drafting
constitution for the future government OF
the country.
The leaders, however, refused to have
anything to do with the convention, their
aim being the establishment Of an Irish
republic, which naturally cannot be con-
sidered under the terms of reference. They
are waiting for the peace conference after
the war, and in the meantime their avowed
intention is to make things as uncomfort-
able as possible for England. The new
member for East Clare, urging the young
men Of that county to enroll themselves in
the Irish volunteers, warned them that it
was "an army more dangerous than the
British army" but added that in joining II
they would know they were fighting for
Ireland. Talk Of this sort is common to-
day, and people boast openly of what might
be done by "the armed young men of
Ireland"
When the government resolved to release
the Sim Fein prisoners it was explained
that one purpose was to create before the
convention an atmosphere favorable to con-
ciliation and harmony. There is a new at
mosphere in Ireland now, but it is not the
kind Of atmosphere the peace makers
wanted. Moreover, the result Of the East
Clare elections has virtually annuled in
advance any decision that may be achieved
by the conference in Dublin.
One who has followed conditions In Ire
land closely put the case plainly before the
election had been decided. "a Sim Fein
victory in East Clare" he said, would at
once render the convention useless and
ridiculous. 1t would be stupidity and
weakness beyond even the record of the
| Irish Office TO attach the least value TO any
thing that the convention may possibly
agree to after that. Surely. even Mr.
Lloyd George understands when his last
weapon breaks in his hands"
1t is clear, then, why no one can look
forward TO the discussions which begin to-
day with more than passive and detached
curiosity There will he grant deal NJ
talk, and it is conceivable, though by no
means inevitable, that some sort of COM
promise will be agreed to. Mr.. William
O'Brien appears TO suspect that partition
will be suggested, but that is altogether
unlikely, considering the common opposi-
tion TO that policy among Irshmen Of the
most divergent and conflicting views. But
il does not really matter, for no decision