Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-08-17
UNSTABLE EQUILIBRIUM.

The status m Ireland Just now seems to be that
OF unstable equilibrium in which a sudden move
1Inent in any direction will disturb the balance, and
in which the balance being suddenly disturbed, a
smash Is certain to result. There are needed the
keen eye, the firm hand, and the steady nerve to
maintain the poise until a stable resting place can
be found.
The Irish Republican parliament is in session.
having been summoned to consider proposals made
by the British government. The.general nature of
those proposals has been made public from official
quarters. Substantially, the plan amounts to do
minion home rule for the south of Ireland with GER
tain details specified as to conditions affecting the
security Of the empire as a whole, and the mutual
trade interests of the two great islands constituting
the united kingdom. In his letter to De Valera,
Premier Lloyd George has pointed out that his gov
eminent hopes for the acceptance Of this plan in
principle, that he makes. no unalterable condition
except that the unity Of the two peoples under one
general government shall be recognized and shall
continue. With the plan accepted in principle, he
IS ready to discuss its application in detail.
The opening address of De Valera to his par
lament is not the most hopeful augury Of the reach
ing Of a satisfactory basis. It contains a reveIsion
to the claims for separation around which the en-
tire controversy Of the past has revolved. The
British government declares fatty that these claims
will not be granted: There has been no deviation
from this attitude from the beginning, nor is any
to be expected. # one side continues to insist on
conditions which the other declares to be absolute
y impossible, negotiations might as well end where
they are. No progress can be made.
It is not expected that De Valera and his asso-
ciates will indicate Immediately a willingness to ac-
cept the British proposals even Tin principle" The
worst that could happen would be a fiat rejection of
the British tender, and an immediate reversion to
the reign OF terror which has Mortified the world.
The most hopeful thing that can be expected is that
the Irish Republican leaders, while not accepting
the proposals will not reject then, but will continue
to act on the assumption that annicable settlement
Is possible. The longer an adverse decision is post
poned, the less probable it is. The south Of ireland
has for some weeks been enjoying a condition of
peace and security which it has not known for a
long time. There has been in a measure a resurnp-
ton Of industry. Men noidngcr need to 60 armed
in order to- defend themselves from unexpected as
sault. Families may rest secure at night without
tear OF marauders invading their homes. Any pop
ulation would appreciate such change. The Irish
population must appreciate it. The more accus-
toned to this condition it becomes the less willing
VIII It be to permit a resumption of the former dis
order; hence, the postponement Of absolute refusal
OF the conditions must be regarded as at least some
progress toward a possible solution. Of the problems
which have so long embarrassed both ireland and
England.