Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-20
FATE OF IRISH TREATY
HANGS IN BALANCE
(Continued From First Pagc.l

lie promised. however. at q later
stage to indicate in his own way tho
alternative proposal.
The division in the Sim Fein Par
Lament cuts across all ordinary lines.
ii Is not Il case. as today's proceed
inEs clearly showed, of the Irish
army arrayed against civilians. for
notable army leaders were found both
for and against the treaty.
De Valera. Griffith. Collins. Childcrs
and several other prominent men in
the councils of the party spoke to-
day on either side, but 1t is generally
agreed that the most sensational and
most impressive contribution was
Robert Barton's narrative OF the cir
cumstances under which he and other
delegates were, according to his
statement. forced to sign the treaty
without referring it back to the Cabi-
net at Dublin.
His Most Sacred Bond.
MIR. Barton said his oath To the re-
public was the most sacred bond on
earth. and he had broken 1t as tho
lesser of two alternative outragcs
forced upon him and because he was
compelled to choose Immediately.
MIR. Griffith, he explained, had re-
peatcdly sought to have the terms
referred back to the Dali Eircann.
but this Premier Lloyd George di-
rcctly ncgatved. The signature Of
every member Of the delegation WAS
necessary or war would follow at
once, and the Prime Minister gave
the delegation until 10 o'clock TO
make up their minds.
Griffith. Collins and DugYan were.
he said, for the signature. but he and
Gavan Duffy were against it. lie
held out, and that placed the re-
sponsibility for war on him. so he
people to war without consultation.
And So" he exclaimed, IT now
fulfill my undertaking. and recon-
mend to you this treaty
Loud applause followed his speech,
coming partly from the opponents Of
the treaty. who apparently recog-
nizcd in Mr.. Barton's narrative
serious attack on the agreement and
party from the supporters of the
treaty. who welcomed preservation Of
the solidarity of the London dele
cation. ms there had been rumors In
Dublin indicating Mr.. Barton's In
tcntion to separate himself from the
signatories.
CRscnantx Lawyer to Spcnk.
r.
morrow and his attitude Is eagerly
awaited. He was solicitor in the de-
Tense of Sir Roger Easement at his
trial for high treason. and is identi-
fled with the uncompromising wing
of the Sim Fcin. He is also known
TO have objected strongly in London
to some OF Premier Lloyd Georges
terms.
The biggest oratorical effort of the
day was TINT of Mr.. Collins. whose
speech was directed towards justi-
Tying his signature. and was especial
ly notable for the Importance he at
tachcd to the opportunity given by
the new constitution for develop
ing Ir1h resources and preventing
further penetration by England into
Irish business through the acquisi-
ton of Irish banks. railways and
shipping and factories.
Tho main objections to tho treaty
revealed in tho speeches of DE Valera
and Erskine Childers were the alb
pire. the belief in continued British
control through the governor gem
eral, military and naval control.
Resent Choice of Soldier.
Tho choice of Commandant John
Joseph McKeown TO SECOND Mr.. Grif
fith's motion for ratification was re-
scntcd in some quarters as an at
tempt to exploit McKcown's military
record with the Irish Republican
army In favor of the treaty. He Is
n great popular hero and when re-
lcnsed last July to take part In the
peace meetings. was under sentence
Of death for the killing of n police
inspector, which occurred in n sharp
fight between Sim Feiners and
crown forces.
The women. members OF tho Sim
Fcin Parliament were to large eN-
tent against the treaty and an APP
peal was frequently made during the
private sessions to the memory OF
the dead This was countercd today
by Deputy Higgins. who called at
tention to the men who had daily
risked their lives and were voting
now for peace.
0rnnEcmcn Say Force Essential