The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-06-02
IRISH AS UNIT ASK
LIBERTY, SAYS RYAN

NE" YORK June S.-MlCnAel -
Ryan. one OF the three delegates ap-
pointed by the Friends OF Irish Free
dom to demand recognition of the
Irish Republic at the peace confer
ence, returned from France yesterday
on La Lorraine, OF the French Line.
His co-delegates, Frank P. Walsh and
Edward F. Dunno. are expected here
on the Espagne about June Z.
AS La Lorraine steamed past the
Statue,of Liberty Mr.. Ryan declared
four-fifths of the Irish people were
in favor of complete separation and
were determined to secure their free
dom. Converts to the cause are regis
tering in hundreds every week, and ii
will be for the welfare OF England
as well as for Ireland. he said, If the
Irish question is settled shortly.
Tells Of Trip.
OF his visits to France, England.
and Ireland, Mr.. Ryan said:
THE day before 1 left Paris, May
/ %, 1 had an interview with Colonel
House. This interview followed the
presentation of a letter, signed by
Messrs. Walsh, Dunn and me, to
I
his good offices to secure safe con-
] duct from Dublin to Paris for Presi-
/ dent de Valera, Arthur Griffiths and
| Count Plunkett These men werS the
| chosen representatives of the Irish
| people, and were authorized to speak
for them at the peace conference.
ut was generally known this re-
| quest would be refused. 1t was deem
ed advisable that 1 should return to
the United States and present to the
executive committee of the friends
we had done-our success and disap-
pointments-so that a detailed plan.
of action to be followed here in the
future might be mapped out
Determined To Be Free.
Following the proposal that we
should meet Lloyd George, we went
to Ireland, trip not contemplated
by US when we left America In Ire
land I found a degree Of enthusiasm
exceeding my fondest expectations.
All kinds and characters of people
formerly divided in political opinions
are now united in the determination
that Ireland shall not be alone as
the one black spot in all the world
where freedom is denied the inhabi-
tants.
I'm leaving Ireland after twelve
days stay there and addressing thou
sands of people, 1 made the declara-
ton, which believe to be true, that
two-thirds of the men, five-sixths of
the women, and all of the children are
in favor of the republic
This sentiment is to be found not
only in great cities like Dublin, Cork,
Limerick, Galwayq, and Athlone, but
in the smaller town and cillages.
Enthusiasm in Belfast.
In Belfast, where we had been
Especially asked to go by Sir William
Wiseman, representing Lloyd George,
we found intense enthusiasm in the
throngs that greeted US.
Prisoners All Political.
mo treaty ought to be ratified by
| the Senate of the United States that
will rivet more securely the chains
on Ireland and make Great Britain
! the super-lord Of the earth. OF
course, the people Of ireland believe
in the high ideals enunciated prior
to the war, during the war, and since
the war by President Wilson and ac-
cepted by Great Britain"
With regard to the cabled reports
of rioting and lawbreaking in Ireland.
II the Sim Fein was growing in
strength, and for information as to
economical conditions in Ireland, Mr..
Ryan said:
"The jails in Ireland are free Of
prisoners except for men committed
for political offenses. These offenses
hconsisted in the main Of addressing
meetings. Of attendance at meetings
and Of singing the Soldiers Song,
which seems to have become a sort
Of national anthem.
1T is true that during the last
year or more four policemen were
shot and that ten civilians were
shot by policemen, but even includ-
ing these incidents, it is safe to say
there are more crimes-real crimes
against persons and property-com-
mitted in a week in tho large Amer
fcan cities than will be found in the
whole Of Ireland in a year.
The Irish people are compare
lively prosperous now. In fact, they
have more than they ever had Food
Is abundant. Taxes. OF course, as
in England, are exceedingly heavy
but generally there is prosperity
due to the fact that Ireland, next
to the United States, has been the
chief source Of food supply for Great
Britain.
Sim Fein Growing Fast.
''The strength OF the Sim Fem, or
Republican party, is increasing daily,
and one OF the latest converts is
Captain Robert Barton, well known
in America, owner Of a large estate
at Glendalough. He was a captain
in the British army and took part
on the English side in the IL rebel
| lion.
HE was one OF those in charge
! OF De Valera, and the spIendor of
! the intellect of men like De Valera,
Count Plunkett and Arthur Griffths
and others made him inquire into the
| cause that could make men face
death with such wonderful courage"
pEPcuIUH NWhpOc Np0cc