The New York herald., 1921-12-11
FRIENDS OF IRISH
FREEDOM WAIVER
Convention Here Takes No
Definite Stand, but Eng
land Is Denounced.

England received the usual lambast
ing and America the usual warning o.
British perfidy in the oratory that con
surned the first days session Of tn,
national convention of the Friends o,
irish Freedom in the grand ballroom o.
rke Iiotel Astor YESTERDAY. But in non,
Of the speeches was the rejection b!
the Irish people of the agreement with
England flatly advocated.
If the temper OF tao gathering coult
Noe correctly judged from these platform
utterances, the convention Is not likely
to take an extreme position. but will
probably insist that If the Irish in Ire
land decide that the status Of the Irisl
Free State Is the best they could hop'
for, at this time It must be regarded a.
a step toward complete independence
The dominant figure in the convention
Is Supreme Court Justice Daniel Il. Co
halan, who Is a bitter ender as regards
ireland, but whose speech yesterda,
was characterized by moderation HI
was elected permanent chairman ant
therefore had the appointment of tn
resolutions committee. This committee
with John Archdeacon Murphy o
Brooklyn as chairman. will make IT
report, including plank dealing will
the Irish Free State, at 10 o'clock thi'
morning.
At previous meetings of the Friends
of Irish Freedom the name OF De Valera
who quarreled with the Cohalan branch
Of the clan a year or so ago. has beer
booed and Missed. Now they find them.
selves generally In agreement with hin
as to the insufficiency of the agreement
between the Irish leaders and Lloyt
George.
The ballroom was crowded all day. Ol
the 22,72S Delegates eligible to attend
the convention. 1,7s0 registered from al
parts Of the United States.
They sat beneath American and Irish
flags. The convention was open to the
press.
The temporary chairman, Michael
Ryan OF Philadelphia, accused the Brit.
fish Government Of constant deceit. ant
referred to Arthur Balfour as "Bloody
Balfour." He charged the English witt
originating propaganda against Japar
In this country, and with many Other
offences, but as to the proposed Irish
settlement he said:
IF tho Irish say Yes we can only
say to them, God be with you till we
meet again. God bless you and prosper
you.'"
Justice Coh8lan was Cneereu SeVera
minutes when he arose as permanent
chairman. He was described by Mr.
Ryan as ''theforemost man Of our race
the man who made Ireland the subject
Of discussion In the senate houses o.
Che world" Justice Cohalan dwelt or
what no termed the dangers Of British
Influence getting control of American
affairs.
I'VE give notice." he added. "to Eng
land at home and to her Representatives
IN Ireland and America. and to hel
agents who are openly her agents Of
her disguised agents. that Mr.. Harding
end Mr.. Hughes are not going to b.
able to have their present scheme Of ar
alliance go through any more than Mr.
Wilson and Mr.. House put through
their League of Nations" He pledged
him self to work for the absolute ant
utter freedom" of Ireland until It wal
achieved.
TT has been said" he continued. "tha
we are guided more by hatred OF Eng
land than love Of ireland. That is no
true. It is love Of America that impel!
us to fight that the United States ma.
not be delivered over to the imperial
istic schemes Of Great Britain"