Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-22
IRISH PEACE PACT
MAY BE RATIFIED
BY THE DAHL TO-DAY

''''' 81 - iSe.t
element Of the Dublin population
continue apprehens!vs tonight re-
garding the outcome.
There were several references to-
dag, as yesterday. to = piabiscite,
whatever the Dali decision may be.
In order to obtain Il free expression
from the elcctoraN on the issue. and
thus clear the sky"
Much Friction In Evidence.
Much friction between the oppos-
ing sides was in evidence Inter
changes in the morning session be-
tween Mr. de Valera and MIR. Griffith
were marked by acerbity. creating
tense atmosphere. The speech Of
William CosGrave In the afternoon.
however. went far toward restoring
mutual friendlincss.
Cosgrave. one OF the most active
and popular members OF the Dali
Eireann. who is In close touch with
municipal and county organizations
throughout Ireland and is regarded
as knowing well the trend OF public
sentiment, strongly advocated ratih-
cation OF the treaty: he made it plain
AhhN a o''aN HiaJO'iNS % hho IL ''h
people favored acceptance His
speech was all the more effective for
being ocular. and his sharpcst
ihrusts were not resented even by
the mra a, whom they were directed.
Charles Burgess. Minister OF Defense.
for example. laughed heartily at Cos
graves description of him good at
war, hut not good for anything else"
II. followed the limo adopted ~
restcd the dcsirability of leaving the
treaty chieH; for its immediate help
iul effects on Irish social and eco
nomic conditions.
Mr. Cosgrave. who Is really the
principal administrator of Dublin
City. spoke with much pathos Of the
misery of 10000 Dublin families. each
Of whom lived in one room. and Sug-
gested the desirahilit yof leaving the
decision to the Irish people. who had
the best right to determine their
own future.
Asks for iIcbiscite of Women.
The meeting today was notable for
speeches by Gavau Duffy and canon
i. Durgan, two OF the delegates who
signed the treaty. Though they spoke
from different angles. MIR. Duffy re-
GREETING the treaty and Mr.. DuSgan
praisins it's possibilities. they agreed
In strongly recommending the Dai!
Eircanu to raiify IL. They differed
materially on the question of alleged
durcss applied TO obtain their sigma
lures. Duffy corro5oratinE Robert {.
Barton, who made the charge in his
speech Monday that signature was
compelled ty II threat OF immediate
war, and Duggan denying coercion
Mary MacSwincy spoke passionate
~ for republic. denying repeatedly
that the idea OF q republic was dead
..lf the President and. a united
Cabinet stood for tho treaty" SHE
declared. we would still stand for a
republic"
She asked for a plcbiscite OF the
women on the question of republic.
saving that the women and children
OF ireland would continue To stand
for il. even If the men turned their
backs ON ii.
ireland should choose cXtermina-
ton before dishonor," she exclaimed.
Miss MacSwincy attacked Premier
Lloyd George. the treaty and the
press. including the American press.
which she said was unfair TO the re-
publican cause. She bitterly resent
cd the action of number of the
supporters of the treaty. who filed
out of the room when she began To
speak.