The New York herald., 1921-12-07


thern Ireland TO join the new free
State.
Theatrical effect was added to the
great drama staged in Downing
Street Immediately after the signing
of the treaty. which took place at
2:30 o'clock in the morning. When
it became apparent that an agreement
might be reached the Prime Minister
caused instructions 20 be issued for a
special train to be held in readiness
to take messenger to Belfast. This
was necessary, as Mr.. Lloyd George
had promised Sir James Craig, the
Ulster Premier, that either new pro-
posals would be in the latter's hands
by Tuesday or the negotiations would
be finished.
Immediately the agreement was
signed one of the Premier's secretar-
les rushed to the station and the
train sped toward Holyhead on non
stop run. At Holyhead a destroyer
was waiting and it conveyed the sec
retary to Belfast.
Irish Envoys Satisfied.
-n The signing occurred in the historic
iCabinet room, the Prime Minister and
.Arthur Griffith being the first to sign
for either side, after which all the
members shook hands all around with
lthe greatest cordlality. At o'clock in
Athe morning the Premier sent spe-
slcial message to the King at Sandring
ham, and also a copy of the agree
.iment.
4 To-day the atmosphere at Downing
Street was most cheerful compared
l,rxith the gloom OF the preceding days.
..Every one was smiling, and shoals OF
.lcongratulatory kilograms were pour
ling in to No. 10.
"a The Irish delegates are returning
.enome fully satisfied with the result
liof the negotiations. They expect some
,.opposition in the Dali Eireann. but
siwith tho influence of Arthur Griffith
and Michael Collins, as well as the
shother delegates they have little appre-
-llension as to the outcome. In the first
< place their "Saor Staff (Irish for Free
+ State, there being no word in Gaelic
R,for republic) is acknowledged by the
I, .,,[Sovernment, which will go a long way
Niwith the rank and file among the Sim
lFeiners.
Il. In the next place Mr.. Lloyd George.
y. Mr.. Collins and Mr. Griffith are given
=. the greatest credit for the success of
1.-the conference. though the Premier
x. had the loyal support of Austen Cham
',,.berlain and Lord Birkenhead, the
latter heretofore being looked upon as
la "die hard" supporter of listers
4 claims The two chief Sim Fein ne
Z. Eotiators came here with the reputa-
7. tion of being bitterly opposed to any
4 agreement with England; they turned
{ out to be more moderate than their
!. colleagues, Robert Barton, who is an
I Englishman, and George Gavin Duffy,
\ who has practised at the English bar.
h Lieutenant Commander Erskine
\ iChilders and John Chartres, English
h ex-service men attached TO the Irish
(. delegation, are said to have been more
:. insistent in their demands for south
(. ireland than either Mr.. Collins or Mr..
I. Griffith. who were supported by cannon
< J. Duggan, and with Barton and Duffy
Z. were opposed to submitting the Gov
Il, err ments previous terms, which were
taken TO Dublin last week, to the de-
Sis,on of the Dali Eireann Cabinet, as
( $erting that they were not worthy OF
ii consideration.
q, Arrangements are already being
made for prayers of thanksgiving in
the chuI ches of England. Cardinal
Bourne has arranged for service in
Z. Westminster Cathedral on Thursday
at the feast OF the Immaculate Con-
.ception. when Viscount Fitzalan, Vice
roy of Ireland. and other English Cath
.olics Are expected to attend. The other
churches have decided to hold special
services on Sunday next.