Evening journal., 1921-07-23

LONDON-As the Irish peace
conference between Eamonn de
Valera and Premier David Lloyd
George progresses, every eye is TO-
cused on General Jan Christian
SHUTS, premier Of the Union Of
South Africa.
II the conference succeeds in
bringing peace to Ireland. it will be
General Smuts that ireland and the
British empire will have 10 thank.
And some are talking seriously OF
making him premier of Great Bri-
tain.
The South African premier can
understand the viewpoint OF De
Valera and the Irish revolutionists.
Because less than 20 years ago he
was a revolutionist himself. lie was
leader in the Boer war and It was
through no fault of his that the war
ended in a British victory.
Sees Other Side.
And he is equally able to under
stand the viewpoint of Lloyd George
and those who want to keep the
British empire intact.
Because since the defeat OF the
Beers, SHUTS has been staunch
supporter Of the British and often
declares that with the exception OF
his own country. South Africa, he
loves the British Empire more than
anything else in the world.
That's why every observer here
says that Smuts is the most logical
Intermediary to settle the wrangle
between Britain and Ireland.
Putting over peace agreement
will not be a new thing for Smuts.
He's a skillful and experienced pO-
litical engineer.
His first big political achievement
was when he helped to cement to-
gether the various South African
States into the Union OF South
Africa shortly after the Boer war.
Then. after the World War. he
compiled the principles that are the
foundation OF the present League OF
Nations As testimonial TO his
work. the general secretaryship Of
the League Of Nations was offered
TO him. He declined.
with equal ease, General SHUTS
can hoe a garden, try a law suit,
cook a meal, command an army
tend cattle. frame a treaty, play
with children. read Greek literature
in the original. debate in parliament
or treat sick cattle.
The Irish peacemaker refers to
himself as the best hated man in
South Africa" There he is affec-
tionateiy called Jamie"
Witty and Cynical.
Though Of Dutch birth, he lacks
the heaviness Of temperament and
stolidness that are characteristics Of
the Teuton. He is Of light tempera-
ment witty. intellectual, a little
cynical
Despite the triumphs OF his states
manship he is not politically ambi-
tious He serves for the sake OF
serving and because he really has at
heart the future Of the British en-
pire.
He dresses plainly. When going
Iabout London. he wears simple
civilian clothes rather than the trap
pings Of a British ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
which he is privileged to wear.
His favorite diversion is reading
in his well-stocked library at his
south African home. When he has
, given to his country all the service
. he can. he will retire to the quiei
, Of his estate, he tells friends.
q He is known as a tireless worker
= From morning 10 night, he wade
e through stacks Of Official documents
confidential dispatches and reports
{ He rarely takes a holiday and
10 vacation-never.
d SHUTS abhors social life. His dis
like of receptions and other func
;. tions is shared by Mrs. SHUTS,
,; plain Dutch housewife. Wives o
s high British dignitaries in Sout
Africa never can seem to find Mr.
SHUTS at home
e SHUTS has a wide range Of infor
" nation and a firm grasp OF worl
problems He Is at ease in discus
" sing American constitutional govern
T. ment and classical Greek literature
- the Upper Silesian question and tn
10 latest methods OF intensive farming
~ The South African stateman
m comparatively a young man. He
~ So. He was born on a farm With
q. so miles Of Capetown, South Afric'
w Until young smuts was .12, HI
a. only teachers were fowls and cattl
m He spent the days herding gees
,n cows, sheep and horses.
OF on the big South African far
n which was not much different fro
tho ranches of the western l1nitf