The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1920-06-15
QUAkERS ARE ONLY
mEDIAT0RS IN IRISH
SCRAP-M. HENKE
By MARY HENkE

LONDON. June l. Two thttlsand
Quakers stand as the only tolerated
mediary between the antagonistic ele-
ments in Ireland. To the Irishman,
the Quaker is neither fish nor fowl
in the matter of religion. Consequent
ly, the members Of the Friends church
have been able to hold the good will
of both parties.
The Irish Protestants do not con-
slider the Quaker church as definite
Protestant institution; but as it is not
allied to the Catholic church, and as
most Quakers in Ireland are of Eng
lish or Scotch descent, the ulster-men
are on good terms with the Irish Quak-
ers and have confidence in them.
On the other hand the Irish Cath
olics are friendly with the Quakers
because they are not affiliated with
the Protestants, and because the Qua
kers themselves as victims Of perse-
cution, were at one time in a ccIdl-
ton which the Irish nationalist COM
pares to his own.
In Dublin a young Friend who Is at
the same time an open pacifist and
supporter of the nationalist cause,
holds open house" for Sim Fein
leaders where they may confer with
each other and meet Englishmen and
foreigners trying to get at the bottom
of the Irish t.ouble.
Although ne is not a Sim Feiner
and is opposed to violent methods, he
holds a position Of influence with the
national party and its chiefs.
Seek Him Out for Counsel.
Down in the south of Ireland, a
mild, kindly old Quaker is sought out
~, vi, hn
lie priests and Church of England
Wears All parties show respect for
his council and his views are hOnOred
Throughout the island members of the
Friends church are urging peace and
are heard quietly because their att.
'tude Is recognized to be impartial.
Recently the Quakers in Ireland
issued a message to their countrymen
protesting the violence on one side
and the injustice on the other.
English Quakers generally support
the nationalistic claims of Ireland, and
condemn the militaristic measures
used against the Sim Fem by the
government. They are strongly op
posed, however, to the Sim Fein
reign of terror"
We've talked self determination
for Ireland for years." said a promin
ent English Quaker. Its just ques
ton of Keep your promise.
Danger to the friendly relations be
tween America and England was EN-
phasized at the London Yearly Meet
ing recently held, by William c
Allen of Philadelphia.
Friends were urged to do all in theil
power to counteract unfavorable infiu
ence and to draw the two nations clos
er together. The speaker said b.
had met much anti-American propa
ganda in the British colonies.
Mr.. and Mrs. Beede There
A number of Americans attended thu
London yearly meeting, including Mr.
and Mrs. William c. Allen, Mr.. anC
Mrs. Joseph Elkinton and Edward
Wissler of Philadelphia. DR.. Jesse
Holmes of Swarthmore college, on thu
commission for Friends war victim
relief; B. Willis Beede. of Richmond
Ind, secretary of the Friends foreign
mission board. and Mrs. Beede. Dr.
. and Mrs. Nitobe. formerly of Phila
delphia. now living in London, wer
also present
English Friends are not alignin
themselves with Mr.. 'Pussyfoot' Johr
son in his efforts to make Erglan
dry. While most OF the Friends ar