The New York herald., 1921-08-09
spsotoJ Cable to THE NEW ToRK HERALp.
CeppSscht, 1891, 6y THE NEw YoHK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.

sssetsI Cable to THE NEW TonK HrRAIp
Ceppwscht, 1891, 6y THE Nrw YoRK HERALD
Now York Herald Bureau.
London, Aug. ..
The prospects for Premier Lloyd
George and Eamon de Valera getting
together on some middle ground In the
Irish peace negotiations were improved
to-day by the Premier in Paris order
Ing the release Of John J. McKeown
member Of the Irish Republican Par
Lament. Reports from Dublin to-
night indicate that DE Valera Is now
prepared to submit compromise pro-
posal to the British Cabinets scheme.
The elimination of McKeown. the
Blacksmith Of Ballinalee," as factor
in the situation, after threatening FOR
the last forty-eight hours to loom
alongside some Of the characters In
the most sinister incidents in Dark
Rosaleen's" story, brought a feeling of
relief in all circles. He was released
from Mountjoy prison. where he has
been held after being convicted by
court martial Of the murder OF Chief
Inspector McGrath. In Government
circles here 1t was said that the re-
lease of McKeown was in the ordinary
course OF events.
Statement by De Valera.
lust previous to McKeown's release,
however. De Valera issued statement
declaring he could not assume respon-
sibility for continuing the peace negotia-
tions II this member Of the Dali Eireann
was held In prison. The members OF
the Irish Parliament will meet In Dub
lin next week.
In official circles here II is now being
denied that the Government had any
intention Of excepting McKeown from
the number OF Dali Eircann members re-
leased. It was said that In view OF the
fact that his conviction of murder stood
against him technical legal delays made
his release from prison slower than that
OF the other twenty-four members who
were In Jail. Whatever reasons may
have caused the delay, there Is no doubt
that 1t seriously imperilled the progress
of the peace negotiations.
The release Of McKeown Is regarded
as a signal advantage for Sim Fem. as
Il Is taken as a recognition by the Brit
ish Government of the correct status OF
the Republican army as beliigerent
force Blame for the holding OF Nc
Keown Is not laid TO the Government.
but to Dublin Castle officials. who acted
without consulting London.
McKeown has been the beau ideal OF
the Irish republican soldier. He was
convicted OF murder by court-martial
for what happened in an open fight, In
which McKeown fought single handed
against a patrol composed of ten men.
Previously he had bcen the leader OF
the Ballinalee Irish republican army
for months. and under his leadership his
men did things which will go down
among the traditions OF the Sim Fein
army.
Reputation for Gallantry.
Despite his skill as a guerilla leader.
this man had a reputation for gallantry.
His gallantry was SO marked that even
relatives of the police Inspector he
killed appealed to the Government not
70 carry out the sentence imposed on
him by the court martial. Indeed. the
BLACK and Tans" testified to his chiv-
airy IN the course of his trial. Never
theless he was convicted and. although
the sentence was never approved by Gen.
Sir Nevil MacreAdy, commanding the
Crown forces in ireland, McKeown was
held In prison when all other members
OF the Dali Eireann were released.
McKeown was the man about whom
was woven the ballad, The Blacksmith
of Ballinalee." song which has been
sung at every Irish gathering In Ireland
during the last ten months and In which
is set forth a score OF McKeown's heroic
actions. He Is now at liberty. but the
incident OF his release from prison
illustrates how thin is the Ice over which
the Irish negotiators are skating.
Dali Eireann spokesmen Immediately
pounced on the Governments failure to
release McKcown and called IL viola
tion Of the truce terms. They sent
special messenger to the Prime Minister.
Mr. Lloyd George. In Paris.
Everything shows that responsible
officials here ordered hfs release as
soon as they appreciated the situation
u L Al-=za