Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-08-23
The Ne,D Irish Crisis

~ ESPlTE the now uncompromising atti-
tude of Sim Fein leaders, there still
is hope that steady and discerning
minds will bring the Irish problem to a happy
issue. Grievously disappointing it would
be, not alone to the peoples directly concerned
but to all the world If, after the long, cheer
ing strides toward peace and with the terms
or just and generous settlement available.
negotiations should be broken fruitlessly off
and the old bitter distresses renewed. Who
that loves progress and concord, who that
holds thoughtfully to heart the interests OF
humanity a1d of Ireland, would force that
tragic consequence?
Since the truce of July the eleventh, in
deed since July the fifth, when friendly
oVertures began, up until the last week, mat
tiers moved hopefully forward. The presence
OF the Dominion Premieres in England
fresh-vsioned Liberals, gathered together
from fresh-aired,, spacious commonwealth.
from Canada, South Africa, Australia, New
Zealand, to take counsel on the Empires
common concerns-created an atmosphere
more favorable than any the past ever had
breathed to sympathetic treatment of
Irish demands for self-government One of
those Liberals became the chief spokesman.
and the chief thinker, for Cancellation and
1ustice-Premie1 Jan SHUTS, of South Africa,
probably the worlds wisest statesman in
power today. II any man could be counted
upon to understand Ireland's wrongs and to
plead for her rights, it was he. And his
was the attitude that grew and prevailed.
The Irreconcilables and the Arrogants found
less and less support; the general British
wish for fair and friendly relations with Ire
land waxed more and more intense.
King George voiced the nations senti-
ment when he declared, upon his visit to
Belfast in July: "Few things are more
earnestly desired throughout the English
speaking world than satisfactory solution
OF the age-long Irish problems, which for
h CnI f0-1 t1~-.
they now weigh heavily upon us. -
l appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to stretch
out the hand of forbearance and conciia-
ton, to forgive and to forget, and to join
in making for the land which they love a
new era of peace contentment and good
will. The future lies in the hands
of the Irish people themselves. May this
historic gathering (for the Inauguration of
new parliament in Ulster) be the prelude
OF the day on which the Irish people of the
North and South, under one parliament or
Two, as those parliaments may themselves de-
eide, shall work together in common love for
ireland upon the sure foundation of mutual
justice and respect In this spirit it was
that Premier Lloyd George, leaning largely
upon General Shuts counsel, opened nego-
tiations with Mr. De Valera, leader of the
Sim Fem movement; and as the conference
went forward hope grew into expectation
that at last free, stable, prosperous and
contented Ireland was coming into history
TO see this fair prospect suddenly over
clouded and the liberal peace offer threat
ened with rejection brings a sinking of heart
to thoughtful friends of Erin. Further than
it has gone the British Government could
not go without consenting to Ireland's utter
severance from the Empires life; and that
consent cannot reasonably be expected the
facts of geography and of history being what
they are. General SHUTS, reminding Mr.
De Valera that full freedom such as the
Dominions enjoy has been offered, and that
what is good enough for them ought to be
enough for Ireland" appeals thus to the Sim
Fein leader: Tragic and sorry events have
set flowing emotions and created a new
political situation. Because of that it would
be the gravest reflection. on our statesman
ship II this suspicious moment were allowed
to pass. 1 pray God that you shall be wisely
guided and peace concluded before tempers
again change and perhaps another genera
ton OF strife ensues." That is the states
mans, the liberals, the humanitarian
view; and to that prayer the greater part
of the world adds "Amen"