The sun., 1919-02-24

chief cause Of their enthusiastic support
OF the war. They were indorsed by the
spokesman of the British Government
while hostiiities were In proress. and
the whole world was led to believe that
the achievement Of the purposes pro-
claimed by the President was the sole
object 81 the war.
among those declarations the one
that all peoples are entitled to seif-de-
termination received universal support
and became the war cry OF the peoples
who were fighting Germany. Our Gov
eminent and those Of the countries asso-
ciated with us In the war are therefore
bound In honor to apply the principle OF
self to Ireland, as well as
to the other submerged nations which
have been granted their freedom as q re-
suit of the war. II II IL not applied
to ireland the United States will be
placed in n most unfavorable light be-
fore the civilized world and President
Wilson's solemn declarations will be
made a mockery."
Asserts Inalaenable Right.
After stating that Ireland is clearly
entitled I'd self-determination and that
she has asserted that right for $50 years
the declaration continues:
Aside from Ireland's ina1ienable right
to govern herself in her own way. with
out Interference by any people outside
her own shoes, the attempt OF England
to rule her against the consent Of her
people IL the most conspicuous failure
in all history. 1t has failed In every
essential thing for which governments
exist-the promotion OF the welfare OF
the governed, the protection Of their nat
ural rights and interests, the develop
ment OF their resources, and their con
tribution to the sum Of human Happiness,
and the worlds prosperity. Even II con
quest be Acknowledged as giving on,
people the right to rule another, England
has forfeited that right by centuries o
continuous misgovernment and injustice
which are practised by the English Gov
eminent to-day as relontlessly as at an!
time in the past and in utter disregar,
OF the opinions. wishes and protests o
the Irish people.
THE condition of Ireland, which IL tn
direct result of the deliberate action o
the English Government, 10 an interna
tional scandal and a constant menace {
the worlds peace. Three times durin
the last 500 years her soil has been In
vaded by foreign armies to aid her peopl
to overthrow English rule. So long a
England holds Ireland by military fore
and denies her right to govern herse
the Irish people will continue to asser
their rights by every means in the
power.
"In 1915 they rose in rebellion. and o
January ri, 1919, their elected represer
tatives, supported by the overwhelmin
majority Of the people. met in the rs
, tional capital, issued a declaration of II
dependence and proclaimed an Irish r,
, public. This action was followed by q
, appeal for recognition to the free people
3 OF the world. They elected three del
r gates to plead their case at the Pea
{ Conference. two OF whom. with thirt.
I nine other elected representatives Of n
Y people. are held in English prisons, wit
: out trial, and with no charge formulate
against them.
= "A state Of war therefore exists b
= tween England and Ireland. which.
n the interests Of the peace of the world. Il
8 Peace Conference cannot ignore. Al
( President Wilson's great task of esta
e fishing permanent peace will not be cor