Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1920-12-22
HENDERSON
HAS PEACE idea
British Leader Says Britain
Can't Resist Moral
Demand
NO SETTLEMENT
BY FORCE, HE SAYS

LONDON Dec. 2O.-Immediaie ces-
sation Of hostlries in Ireland, with a.
vicw TO bringing about a permanent
settlement OF the Irish question on a
hisl basis, was advocated today by
Arthur Henderson.
henderson is chairman Of the Brit
ish Labor party's commission TO in
vestigaic conditions in Ireland and
SEEK a way for peace lie Is a former
cabinet member, present member OF
Parliament and secretary OF the Brit
ish Labor party
The commission has Just returned
from personal investigation In Ire
land Despite the declaration OF mar
tial law In southern Ireland and the
Cork fire Henderson is optimislic
peace can be had. He has had several
MEETINGS With Premier Lloyd George
on the subject
''Mosi persons In Ireland are in fear
and dread Of ruthless warfare. which
50 often has chosen its victims at
random said Henderson.
'Thc question OF Irish government
seems 10 have been removed from the
Tribunal of reason DO one OF force. So
long as force is relied upon by either
side. the question can't be determined
IN strict accordance with democratic
principles OF justice.
III force Is TO be the determining
factor, the result might easily be pre-
dicted, for the British government
can resist any challenge OF force made
BY the Sim Fein army
The real character OF the Irish de-
mand IS moral. When placed on this
higher plane, 10 attracts 10 its sup
port the powerful advocacy OF mill
Hons OF persons beyond the shores
Of Ireland
Its moral appeal is so formidable
that no British government true 20
tho principles of democracy could re-
fuse 20 respond TO &C.
But in the present reign OF vio-
hence. the Justice Of the Irish demand
+ lost sight or
T''he policy OF The British govern
ment is TO clean up the Republican
Army. or gunner. as they are de-
scribed hy The chief secretary for Ire
land In their efforts TO achieve this
result the crown forces have commit
tcd many acts Of sheer brutality and
VantOn destruction Of property
lndiscipline Of a certain section of
the crown forces has found express
sion In appalling acts Of violence and
criminal acts OF provocatl0n which, In
many eases. have fallen on innocent
men, women and children.
THE experience OF our commission
IN Ireland strengthens us In our con.
. viciion that the most urgent need {,
complete cessation OF all acts OF VIC
Nnco and proV0caiiOn.
II this could be brought about,
believe 10 would be possible for a reg
ular armisiice 10 be arranged between
he British government and clecie,
representatives. OF the Irish people.
"This step l consider an indispens
able preliminary TO any Official peac
negotiations.
mo greater service could be rer
uercd 10 The cause OF Irish freedom b
rs friends and supporters. in what
ever country they may be. than b
Striving 10 bring about termination d
The present guerilla war, in order int
q new opportunity may be provide
for responsible persons 90 neg0tiai
political settlement not I'm relation D.
the military situation but in har
nlony With the accepted principle q
Right Of small nations 10 fun and w
Filtered sclf-determination OF thei
own affairs"