The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-10-21
SAYS ARMY MUST
LEAVE f IRELAND
: IS TO Be PAC|F|ED
British Woman Leader De-
CIares Peace Can Never Be
Brought About Under Pres
ent Conditions.

NEW YORK, Oct. 21.-"The first |
principal step for the British gov
eminent to take in the case of Ire
land is to withdraw the army of oc-
cupation that is there todays
Similar words have been heard be-
fore from Irish patriots, and from
Americans, not only those whose
heritage of sympathy for an OPP
pressed country gives them keen in
sight into her disagreement, but
from many others whose opinions are
born of a love of Justice and fair
ness.
The words in this case are those
of Mrs. Pethick Lawrence, noted i
English suffrage leader, now lectur-
ing in New York city. Mrs. Law
renee is English and has no affilia-
lions with Ireland, yet she has clear
understanding Of the situation in that
unhappy land.
II am an English woman" says
Mrs. Lawrence, land not a Catho-
lie, so my sympathy with the cause
of Ireland cannot be laid to national
or religious reasons.
Discussion and negotiation are
necessary to solve the Irish prob
lem. The army of occupation must
be removed before that is possible.
l welcome Lord Grey's proposal of
even a dominion government. That
shows a willingness to come forward
at least.
Under army rule there is an at
mosphere of suspicion, fear, hate and
military threats. While these shoot
ings and reprisals are taking place,
no peacemaking is possible.
ireland now has national con-
seriousness. She cannot deal with
England admitting herself a con-
quered province, but only on terms
of an equal national consciousness.
II am in touch with the situation.
I have friends in Ireland and get
constant reports from there.
I'VE endured four or five years of
agony during the war, and why? To
give self determination to small ma
tons.
Consider the recent history of
Ireland. In 1918 the Home Rule Bill
was passed. There was one small
section, Ulster, that threatened to
fight it. Mr.. Bonar Law, Sir Ed
ward Carson and Sir Frederick Smith
all vowed they would go to any
lengths to prevent it going through.
Carson and his crew imported
German guns to prepare to resist
These men who held up home rule
and held their own countrymen SUI
fering in their power are the same
men who are now responsible for
the agonies of the British govern
ment., They are responsible for the
imprisonment OF the Lord Mayor of
Cork as well.
ION the question of Lord Mayor
MacSwiney opinion is divided. His
enemies rejoice, hoping that he may
die and that his followers will be
discouraged. His friends are of two
minds, one that it is unnecessary that
he sacrifice MS life, and the other
that his martyrdOm is the last eX-
preston of passive resistance. 1t is
really the supreme proof Of an alien
domination.
The Lord Mayor says himself
The. victory is not in enforcing the
greatest suffering, but in enduring
that suffering
mo force can crush his spirit. The
only danger is that if he dies his
brothers may try to avenge his mar
tyrdom. and that would take away
the moral victory of his death.
"One thing hopeful about the sit
uatiop is the change of public feeling
in England. Under the present gov
eminent it is hard to make a change
in Ireland, but if it is defeated and
forced to give way to a democratic
personnel the problem would be re-
lieved.
Labor is going strong in England,
now, and at the next election if the
party gets in power or even in the
majority in Parliament, it will make
great changes. The labor-men stop
ped the war with Russia and will
very likely help Ireland.
ireland wNl not trust the Liberals
or the Conservatives because both
have betrayed her often. At least
labor hasn't deceived yet. Labor
isn't under suspicion.
II do not believe in the idea of
President Wilson that his League of
Nations would solve the troubles of
,the world. | think some sort of
league is necessary. His is only the
shadow of one.
The ideal league would represent
the people of each country not the
bureauCraCies."
Mrs PethCk Lawrence. famous in
her fight for suffrage, was impris-
oned five times in England during
her efforts on behalf of her beliefs.
klNTFN IlNlINrA NRI