New-York tribune., 1919-06-25
president of Republic Will
Seek to Float Bond Issue
to Draw Interest After
~he British Withdraw
Plans Countrywide Tour
Slips in Conversation Seem
to Confirm the Story He
Came HereasS Ship'sStoker

Eamon de Valera, "President of the
Irish Republic" announced yesterday
in an interview that he hopes to float
in America a $5,000,O0O bond issue "to
bear interest six months after the Brit
ish forces have evacuated Ireland" -
But his principal hope from the
United States, according to Professor
de Valera, is recognition of the Irish
Republic"
THE one big act that we want from
America is recognition" he said, "just
as you were recognized by France when
you set up your republic"
1t was busy day for the Irish
chief. In suite on the eleventh floor
of the Waldorf Astoria he received
delegation after delegation of Irish
men. Roman Catholic priests and
labor leaders seemed to predominant
among the callers.
Between calls Professor de Valera
dictated to stenographer.
May Have Cone as Stoker
At 10 o'clock in the morning he re-
ceived a number of reporters and
again at $3.50 o'clock in the afternoon
he talked with them. At other inter-
walls he posed for photographers.
Professor de Valera mentioned in the
afternoon that he had left Ireland on
June l. He also said yesterday that
he had not revealed himself promptly
on his arrival because he was "tired."
Some one referred to his trip as "sub
rosa"
"Well, I shouldn't call it rosy" re-
torted de Valera.
All of which makes plausible the in
formation given to The Tribune that
de Valera travelled to America under
the name of "James OFlaherty" as
coal trimmer in the stokehole of the
Cunard steamship Royal George. The
Royal George docked last Wednesday,,
June 18, having sailed from Liverpool
on June Z.
Needed Rest" After Trip
De Valera's statement that he needed
rest when he arrived would indi-
cate that he did not travel across the
Atlantic as a passenger. From what is
known of his movements since he has
been in the United States it is fairly
we'll established that he did land about
last Wednesday; Moreover, his sec
retary, Harry Boland, M. P, who is
also secretary of the Sim Fein or
ganization, admits that he came over
as a stoker on freight ship. 1t is
argued that if this was the safest way
for Boland it was also the safest way
for his chief. Neither of them will
affirm of deny stories purporting to
explain how the trick was done, no
matter how wild or plausible the story
may be.
such process Of elimination as you
press men would subject us to-" De
would be having me deny the way I
really did come"
Will Make Tour of Country
A special committee of Friends of
Irish Freedom, headed by Justice
last night and planned his itinerary
for the United States. 1t will be made
public to-day. De Valera said he
hadn't decided whether to make
speaking tour Of the country.
"Whatever l do l shall do because
| believe that thing will be best for
Ireland" he said.
Tonight, however, the Irish leader
will go TO the Carmelite Priory, No.
338 East Twenty-ninth Street, which
sheltered him when he was resting up,
as;nd and distribute prizes to the pupils Of
the institution. Father Magennis, the
assistant general of the Carmelte
Order, is president of the Friends of
Irish Freedom.
Asked how he thought President
Wilson would view his presence and
his propaganda in the United States,
Professor de Valera said:
"f President Wilson is sincere
about self-determinati tion nothing will
please him. so much as to be pushed
hard from behind"
ed to make an effort to see President
Wilson: but indicated that he would
not refuse to accept an invitation to
visit the White House.
II must say ! have been disappoint-
ed" he replied when asked what he
thought of President Wilson's work at
the peace conference, "but l realize all
that he had to face But still he had
an opportunity of becoming the leader
of the plain people of all the world
Speaking of Canada he said: "I feel
that Canada and this country might
very likely feel that their interests lie
closer than the interests of Canada and
England"
To another question concerning what
President Wilson is doing for Ireland
Mr.. de Valera said:
"All | know is that he has been
quoted in the press as saying that he
would do all that he could unoffically.
We don't know what he has done"
| At this point de Valeras eyes flashed.
81 am applying the acid test" he
declared. as might still going to be