The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-22

SCAASt WHICH SldHOS TOT IHe lf Wilson articles of peace including the right of self-definition and self-gov- ernment, and ask for recognition. How can it be denied? We have come to regard President Wilson as the saviour of mankind. How can he refuse to stand by us. unless he is the worlds greatest hyprocrite?"
 Yet the peace conference may refer your case back to the British empire. What will be your next step?"
 We shall carry on the fight Thou sands of Irishmen will die but they are ready; then other thousands But 1t will be the same till we get our rights"
 But surely you have concrete plan of action?"
 WILL SET UP GOVERNMENT
 Yes, we shall set up a government of our own at Dublin. In the coming par liamentary election we shall elect at least I5 out of 1o2 members of Parliament They will not take their place at Westminster. Vacant seats there will be the silent wit nesses of our purpose to have no more to do with the British empire. These 70 members will be the nucleus of new Irish Parliament. Sixty of our candi- dates are now in jail. But it makes no difference We shall find ways to get them out
 Will you not be satisfied if Great Bri- tain gives you home ruler
 No. First she will not give it. Sec ond, we don't want it. and we demand, and will have, our freedom
 How is it that Irish sentiment has for so many years favored home rule, and not separation? Why the changer?
 There is no change. With Ireland, home rule was merely a means to an end. A step toward the real goal-inde- pendence. We have never wanted any thing else. We would never have been content with anything else. Parnell and all the real Irish leaders actually aimed at separation and distinct nationality. We repudiate any other policy. We re- pudiate the so-caIled nationalist leaders who would give us half loaf. They are done. for we are done with them"
 What are you going to do about Ul- ster?'
 We believe in majority rule It is the republican way. Ireland must determine for herself what kind of government she will have. We will take our chances in that kind of decision. Let Ulster do the same"
 Are you not aware that most Ulster men have signed a covenant that they will never consent to be governed by Dubln?"
 Yes. But that is mainly bluff. What are they to do but accept the government Ireland chooses to give them? They wilt have no alternative
 Do you regard Ireland as capable Of self-government?"
 Most certainly. The days of Irish free dom from England were Ireland's most prosperous era. We have the resources, we have the men, we will get the money. We want Ireland's taxes spent in Ire land We want fiscal freedom. We are paying Great Britain in taxes more than G30,000, 600 per year We can administer an Irish government with f1l 100000. We would impose our own tariffs, create our own industries. find our own markets. It is true that England is now our best market But if England lays discrim- inative tariff against us. we shall build tariff wall against England. Why can't we sell our products to America and all the world?"
 You have only a few million people. How can you expect to maintain your selves when you are out from under the protection of the British navy?"
 Great Britain is the last remaining autocracy. It must go British navalism is menace to the peace of the world America talks much of freedom of the seas. Some day you will be called on to bring the British navy to account We may safely leave all that to you. Ire land will be a small nation, but 1t is the day when small nations are coming into their own. Look at Denmark, Hol- land Norway, Sweden, Switzerland Geographically Ireland is twice as large as the next largest small nation It should have, and will have. commensur- ate population and wealth." K Have you thought about Belgium?'
 "Yes, but Belgium was in Germanys