New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-25
Toward Settlement in Ireland

Inc question: Ol litlthiiu NdihN NP 80
bate in the British House of Commons
last Thursday. there was virtually no OPP
position TO the Governments proposal
The proposal was indeed extremely
vague; it implied, however, reconsidera-
ton of the whole question of Home Rule
end. considering the iniexible position OF
many Unionists in the past, 1t is reassur-
ing to find all parties willing, even IN
the midst of a war which threatens the ex-
istence OF the nation, to endeavor once
more TO settle an internal problem that
bafHed all parties in time of peace Ke-
assuring. but likewise ominous; for 1t is
hardly conceivable that the proposal
would have been accepted so readily on
all hands were it not obvious to every
one that conditions in Ireland have come
to be intolerable.
Mr.. Bonar Law on behalf of the Gov
eminent limited lately at the possibility OF
an appeal to the country. This warning
was overhastily interpreted by some as a
threat directed especially against the Ma
tioualists. an impression which he has
since been at some pains TO dispel. Nor is
there any good reason to doubt his SIN
cerity; for though it is very certain that
n general election would prove disastrous
TO the present representatives of the
Irish people in Parliament, it would, were
the Irish question uppermost, be hardly
loss disconcerting to those whose principal
aim is to carry the war to a successful con-
cmsion. The Government has, in fact, moth
ing to gain by the discontinue of the
Irish party. What Mr.. Redmond has lost
in the eyes of his countrymen is the credit
that defiance and turbulence create in the
minds of extremists. His occasional
concessions and compromises appeared
onlv as a sign Of weakness to many who
were at one time his faithful supporters,
and. they have deserted the moderate
party-only to go over to the irreconc'l-
abhs who are for no compromise at all.
Hence the humiliation of the Redmondites
could not in any way strengthen the hands
of the Government.
The present temper of Ireland is
largely misunderstood by lrish-Ameri-
cans and by most amiable synrpathizers
in this country. "The New Republic"
for. instance, continues to harp on Sic Ed
ward Carson and the "affront" that was
offered TO Ireland when ne was taken into
the ate Coalition cabinet. That is rather
the view of the English Liberal than of
the party in Ireland that is at present the
chief cause of concern TO British states
men. 1t is a point emphasized by such
Rnglishmen as Mr.. A. G. Gardiner of
''The Daily News but it is point of
small importance to the Sim Fem ele
ment. who know very we'll that the Irish
marty could in all probability have been
represented in the late Ministry if they
had wished to be. Mr. Gardiner and all
Of his way of thinking are looked upon
with derision by the extremists who com
monty resent the abuse heaped on the
Carsonites as misdirected if not insincere.
Excepting the perfunctory protest OF
Lord Hugh Cecil, there seems to have
been no opposition to Mr.. Bonar Laws
proposal Mr.. Ronald McNeilps protest
was particular: it was directed against
Mr.. Dillon's ill-tmed threat to reconsider
the conduct of the Ulster Covenanters be-
fore the war, and especially to inquire
into the supposed negotiations between
their leaders and certain German agents.
II would be manifestly idle at this juno
ture TO invite an inquiry into such ques-
ton, and it is very doubtful if it would
serve the interests Of the Nationalist.
There is, on the other hand, little doubt
about the eagerness Of the Clan-Na-Gael
leaders to effect some sort of alliance with
the Germans, but that they have con-
trived 20 persuade Irishmen of the prac-
ticability Of such endeavors is improbable.
II seems hardly credible, but some of their
dupes were simple enough TO believe for a
while that Germany was really interested
in Ireland and would refuse to conclude
peace until the Irish people were satisfied.
To-day they are more skeptical.
OF the actual state Of affairs it is diff
cult 10 speak with any certainty, because
Of the strict censorship Of all news from
Ireland. But the hearty acceptance Of
Mr.. Bonar Laws proposal in Parliament
!, a sufficient indication Of the gravity OF
the situation. The recent arrests under
the Defence Of the Realm act, coming only
two months after the release Of five hun
dred or six hundred rebels or supposed
rebels. show that the combination Of CO.
ercion and Birrellsm is not a happy one
and will not work. The purpose OF the
cnkf Secretary in recommending the re-
ease Of the interned men was doubtless
10 aIlay popular discomfort. his belief
brino that the number who would dare
10. create further trouble wss insignificant
gss from what has happened since the
ecnglugion may reasonably be drawn ths'