The Irish standard., 1918-04-27

mean great deal to both Lloyd
George and Dillon. There are two
opinions which each is bearing anX-
iously in mind, the Irish-American
opinion and the opinion of America
at large. Most important of all per-
haps is the opinion of the Irish
Americans in the forces. These will
all tend to express themselves during
the coming days. Naturally the opin-
ion that both England and Ireland
would feel the keenest interest in and
respect for would be that of the Presi-
dent, but that is an opinion which
though it may make it's influence felt
today cannot naturally be expected to
express itself until the empires and ma
tions are judged at the peace confer
ence
a small nation can be conscripted.
against it's self-determined will with
out doing violence to Mr.. Wilson's
thought and doctrine. 1t would be an
interesting matter to bring before the
Supreme Court of the United States.
Obviously it would leave a far more
comfortable feeling in America, if the
conscription could be carried out by an
Irish Parliament and at least the op-
ton left to such Parliament, as it
was to the Canadian and Australian
Parliaments. The naked infliction of
conscription at this juncture would
produce some troops but also some
bloodshed in what proportion it is
impossible to gauge. But if one man
is going to be killed for every one
that is conscripted it will hardly be
worth while.
Shortcomings of Irish Parties.
The nakedness of the conscription
proposal is not covered by the con-
vention's report, in fact, the renewed
dangling of the home rule project at
this moment is really Lloyd Georges
most unwise move.
1t is very difficult to meet the Irish
reproach that England is adding in
suit to injury. Injury alone the Irish
have learned to bear. 1t is home rule
on paper, the promissory note pay
able in the distant future, which is
more maddening than no home rule
at all.
The convention has not yet regis
tered failure, but if it does it will be
very necessary to consider whether
the blame lies on Ulster or Sim Fein.
Slim Fein abstained altogether Il VI
ster sent representatives, but as we
| learn with amazement from members
Of the convention they were not free
agents as all the others were, for they
were forbidden to assent to any agree
| this case it would have simplified
matters if they had stayed at home
However, we must retain our feelings
and our Judgment until all is pub
lished. All honor is due to Sir Horace
Plunkett and to the southern Union
lists under Lord Middleton, whose cour
age and generosity will not be for
gotten by their Nationalist neighbors
For the time being their patient
| labors must be obscured by the pre-
cipitancy of the Government propos
| ais, but it is worth pointing out that
the proposals of the convention
| amount to substantial home rule, and
that with customs, post Office and po
lice more has been granted than Red.
mond ever asked. A very comfort
able pedestal to future Irish national,
ity is provided, though it is to be re-
gretted that it was not offered out of
clear sky instead of under lowering
clouds.
Will Take Wilson's Word.
If at any time home rule had been
dramatically offered to the Irish peo.
pie they would have made their own
contribution to France both in food
and men. Even in this desperate hour
Continued on page 81