The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-08-28
NEGOTIATIONS
HAVEREACHED
CRISIS STAGE
British Think Sim Fein DecIara-
tiOns of Principles Have
Gone Far Enough
PREMIER LLOYD-GEORGE
GOING FOR "A VACATION
Much Curiosity as to Who Will
Act as NegOtiatOr Dur
ing His Absence
10y The Associated Press)

LONDON, Aug. 27.--The Irish negotia-
tions now have reached the critical
stage IN the British view as mirrored
by the great majority OF newspapers, in
Guiding those previously supporters Of
home rule and those advanced liberal
newspapers such as the Daily News and
tho Manchester Guardian, which in the
past have gone almost as far as the
Slim Fem.
They think the Sim Fein declarations
Of general principles have gone far enough
and that the time has come for dropping
declarations of principles and getting
down to tho business Of arranging the
eerms, II the Sim Fein proposes to me-
gotiate tho proposals which the govern
ment offered to set forth In detail In
Prime Minister Lloyd Georges first let
ter. The general belief expressed is that
Eamonn Devalera. the Irish republican
leader. having said all that Is necessary
TO assure Irishmen OF the Sim Fein's
theoretical standpoint win do this.
The British find It difficult to analyze
Mr.. DeYalera's exact positions, whatever
light his latest notes throw upon 1t. There
the policy OF the Irish republican cabinet
viii be. while constantly affirming Ire
lands claim to independence. to negotiate
at the same time terms for dominion
status under the new watchword of con
sent to the governed" In other words,
that while clinging to the assertion OF
the inherent rights to Independence, the
cabinet wiz consent" to accept dominion
status. bargaining to the last ditch for
the nearest approach to independence
possible.
It is hoped here that the final solution
may rest upon a referendum of the Irish
people. The New Statesman, which is
the most solid organ Of the labor move
nient and consistent and well-informed
friend Of Ireland asserts that four fifths
of the Irish people would vote for ac-
ceptance OF the British terms. Every OBJ
server In Ireland, 1t says, agrees that the
people are tired to death Of guerilla fight
ing and are finding rare enjoyment Of the
freedom to live their normal lives which
the truce has given them.
Prime Minister Lloyd-George seldom
goes anywhere without mounting the plat
from and making speech. Today he and
his wife attended the wedding in Barns
ley OF SIR william Sutherland, member of
parliament. and recently one of the prime
ministers private secretaries, to Miss
Fountain, who is tho owner OF coal mines
and one OF the richest women in Eng
land.
IN his speech. the prime minister dwelt
largely On the Irish question emphasizing
that the Irish would be foolish to reject
a scheme OF self-government going beyond
tho ambitions Of historic home rulers.
Tomorrow Mr.. Lloyd George is going for
a vacation In the Scotch country, forty
miles from a railroad. There Is much
curiosity here as to who win act as me-
gotiators in behalf OF Great Britain In
case the negotiations begin. since the
rrirr1e minister in the letter To Mr. De-
Valera emphasized that there should be
no delay IN negotiations.
The outstanding fact In the position OF
che Irish negotiations Is that both Mr..
4.loyd George and Mr.. DeValera ended
their last notes bly, statements OF de-
sire or willingness TO continue the dis
cushions,