Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-12-20

president, fighting for rejection. de-
nounced the treaty as "subverslon OF
the republic"
This treaty." declared Collins in
denying charges that he had been
bluffed into signing the document, was
not signed under the personal intimida-
ton of any delegates"
Gives Immense Powers.
The people, he said, did not under
stand the immense powers the treaty
had given the Irish people. Irish as
piratfons were satisfied with security
and freedom and the removal of the
British army was proof that the ma
tional principles had been established,
he argued. Mr.. Collins argument that
the constitutional right under the treaty
was actually the same as that OF Gan,
ada and Africa and that ireland had
no less a right than Canada to send
an ambassador to the United states
was greeted with cheers.
In the course of his speech MIR. Col,
Inns, referring to cablegrams ne PAD
received from America said:
what | am going to say Will make
me unpopular in America for the rest
Of my life. l am going to hide moth
ing / think for the sake OF American
popularity:
Francisco saying:
"'Stand fast. We will send you
million dollars month. :.
MY reply to this was to send half
million and send thousand men
fully equipped"
II received another cablegram from
H. orin oiotjnn
for the Recognition Of the Irish Repub-
lie, reading:
Don't weaken now; stand with De
Valera
We'll. let that branch come over
and stand with both of u.s.
Griffith Moves Adoption.
Adoption of the treaty was moved
by Arthur Griffith, foreign minister IN
the Dali cabinet and signer Of the Lon
don agreement.
Commandment McKeen Of county
Longford, one of the best known or
the Irish republican army leaders, sec
onded the Griffith motion, saying:
The Irish people want substance
not shadows
Immediately after the meeting be-
gan, argument arose as to whether the
document introduced ny Eamonn de
Valera, the republican president, at the
private meeting of the Dali last week
should be introduced at the public ses-
sion. 1t transpired that the document
in question was an alternative pro-
posed peace agreement drawn up by
De Valera.
Speaker MacNeil said Mr.. de VAL
era had requested that the document
be regarded as confidential until he
put forward his own proposal in the
public session. Arthur Griffith and
Michael Collins protested. but the
speaker said he could not allow debate
on this point, and Mr.. Griffith then
moved the ratification Of the treaty.
Question of Lives.
Speaking to his motion, Mr.. Griffith
said this was not question of the
mere rights Of the people: it was a
question of the lives and fortunes of
the people Of Ireland, and he was not
going to hide from the Irish people
that President de Valera's alternative
motion would mean.
Not once did we demand recogni-
ton of the Irish republic, knowing it
would be next to impossible to secure
it." he said, referring to the London
agreement.
He read letter which had been
received from Prime Minister Lloyd
George early in the negotiations, say
ing the government proposed making
ireland eo-equal with the other Brit
ish dominions and to secure for Ire
land place in the League of Nations.
The letter also promised the withdraw
al of naval and military forces from
Ireland when the agreement was rati-
fled.
Mr.. Griffith said the oath of alleg-
lance agreed upon was one (which
any Irishman can take with honor"
Hearty applause was given him as he
resumed his seat.
President de Valera then rose to
move the rejection of the treaty.
II am against this treaty because
1t will not end the conflict between
Great Britain and Ireland" he de-
clared. II am against the treaty be-
cause / am for peace, not war;
Denounces Treaty
Mr.. de Valera scathingly denounced
the treaty US "subverting the republic. =
He dwelt at length upon the allegiance
feature Of the document, inveighing
against what he declared would be the
ignominy Of the Irish people taking the
oath of allegiance to the British king.
He paid tribute, however, to the dele
gates who signed the pact, saying what
they did was in their excess of love
for Ireland
IF King George came over to open
the Irish parliament you would see
black flags in the streets Of Dublin, -
he said. He likened the situation to
! the act of union, declaring it would
lead to endless strife
Summing up, he asserted the treaty
nnfsra1y ipon 1f,:%h
lands position and that if it were rat
flied Ireland would continue subservi-
ent to England.
Cries Of mo" from supporters OF the
treaty followed this declaration.
Austin Stack seconded President de