Evening star., 1921-12-07
The Irish Settlement.

There is cause for rejoicing on the
part Of friends of both England and
ireland over the bright prospect Of a
peaceful settlement of the troubles in
the latter country. Apparently the
long-standing quarrel is on the point
of ending with credit to both sides.
The conclusion of the negotiations
at London came with dramatic sud
denness that surprised the world.
Only a few hours before the proceed
ings had apparently ended in failure.
A last-minute effort was made. De-
parting delegates We're summoned for
one more meeting. The form of an
agreement was submitted. 1t will be
interesting to learn the details of that
last session, with civil war again
threatened in Ireland. with countless
lives in the balance, and with some
final plea bringing about the meeting
of minds that had been so often ap-
preached and as often blocked.
Under the terms OF the agreement
Ireland is to be a free state. on the
same basis as Canada and the other
British dominions. Ulster is to have
n month in which to decide whether
to become part Of this organization
or to remain outside. in closer union
with Great Britain. There is to be no
coercion, no religious domination. no
discrimination, and the oath Of al
legiance to the state includes an oath
of fidelity Of the king .'in virtue OF
the common citizenship of Ireland
with Great Britain and her adherence
to and membership Of the group Of
nations forming the British common
wealth of nations"
This will not be quite the state to
which the Sim Fein has aspired and
for which the long drawn battle has
been fought. Ireland will remain part
of the British dominion. but free in all
the essentials of lf-government.
There will be no republic" but an
administration similar to that Of Can
ada, with a parliament, a premier
and ministry and a governor general
named by the crown. 1t will be for all
practical purposes state Independent
OF the government at London. with
certain responsibilities and limitations.
Ireland will not have the status Of
nation entitled to representation at
foreign capitals. but it will make its
own laws, lay it's own taxes and in
every essential respect be independent.
This is a happy contamination. Ire
lands many friends in America will
rejoice. The pity is that the result
could not have been reached without
the bloodshed and misery Of the past
few years, without the bitterness of
conflict and the suffering Of a divided
people. But if Ireland will now pros
per and develop as her people deserve;
il remission from rancorous politics
and strife permits the material and
spiritual advancement Of the Irish
which their capacities justify. perhaps
this cost in sorrow will not have been
too great. The infinite pity is that so
wise a solution was not reached manv
years ago.
But historians may find. later, that
1t was necessary for Ireland and Eng
land to pass through the travail in
order to reach the goal of an equitable
adjustment. In this crisis. which all
pray will be the final one. the men
who held the fate of the island in their
hands were wise ard patient and gen.
erous in their views. To those whose
signatures were affixed to the agree
ment Of London, which will stand as
Ireland's Magma Charta. are due the
thanks Of all the civilized world for
their skill in finding way to peace.