New-York tribune., 1921-12-12
Fight i'm Erin
Against Peace
Plan Waning
-,
tCsntinued rrcm paac ons>


and against the new Irish treaty. Those
best Informed see no reason to modify
their view that tho treaty will be ac-
cepted by the Irish people
1t is believed that Eamon de Valera
and his supporters will have powerful
aid from Charles nurgess, the Minister
OF Defence, who is eloquent and per
suasivc. while the brunt Of the defence
Of the treaty is likely to fall on Michael
Collins. who. in the opinion of some
writer's, will find himself greatly handi-
capped by all the complimentary things
the English press has been saying about
him since the settlement was reached.
Borar Law to Accept II
1t is admitted that Andrew Bonar
Law. even if not approving all the
clauses of the treaty: has decided to
accept it in principle, or at least. not
to offer substantial opposition, his view
being that Ulster is sufficiently protect
ed by the privilege of contracting out.
The small body of "die-hards" in the
House OF Commons, numbering about
fifty, had counted on Mr. Bonar Law,
| aud their opposition to the treaty is
likely to evaporatc measureably, want
ingHhia aid.
Premier Lloyd George has been util
| izing the weekend at Chequers Court
! in preparation of his speech for de-
livery Wednesday in tho House Of
Commons. He is expected to speak an
hour and a half and to make a power
full plea for the treaty. Ii is believed
that the debate will be concluded more
speedily than was at first thought pos
sible and that the treaty may be rati-
fed and the session closed by the end
OF the week. The necessary legislation
to give effect to the settlement will
be introduced at the new session in
February.
Sir James Craig. the Ulster Premier,
! who has been comforting with the
Prime Minister in London, returned
preston of listers attitude is looked
for until the fate of the treaty in the
hands of the Dali Eireenn is known.
Respecting reports that Ulster is
demanding some financial concessions
on lines similar to the privileges south
ern Ireland will get under the treaty,
Sir Robert Stevenson Horne, Chancellor
of the EXchequer, in speech at New
castle Saturday expressed the convic-
tion that no responsible Ulster states
man would think Of claiming q lower
rate of taxation for Ulster than op-
Grated in Newcastle or Glasgow This
seems to cut out any chance of Ulster
getting such relief except by coming
into the treaty.
Carson Is Handicapped
/ T., ~
tached to Sir Edward Carsons strong
opposition to the treaty, and some
Ulstertes evidently still hope that he
Will champion their cause. He could
do this effectively, however, only by
esignng his post as Lord Of Appeals
and re-cngaging in politics, which is
not considered likely.
The Ulster Premier, Oh leaving to-
night, declined to say anything about
I the settlement. ~ have arranged with
my friends on the other side" he ex~
planned, chat we will observe the
strictest reserve, and in the present
critical and anxious time think that
course will best serve the interests of
all concerned"
Lord Middleton. leader Of the southern
Unionists, in a letter to Premier Lloyd
George thanking him for the informs-
tion contained in letter from Arthur
Griffith that the southern Unionists
would have full share or representa-
tion in the first chamber of the Irish
Parliament, urges him that, in accordance
with the governments pledges and the
terms of the 1920 act, certain questions
should be the subject of an agreed settle
ment before the transfer of powers to
| the new govcrnmen. of Ireland. These
questions include the completion of the
land purchase, the question of dual
taxation in the two countries and pro
vision for compensation for losses dur
| ing the recent unrest in Ireland.
There was no attendance of Dali
Eireann Cabinet members at the Man
sion House in Dublin to-day, but the
peace settlement was referred to in
most of the Irish churches. An in
teresting problem has arisen as to
whether the four Unionist members for
Dublin University, in attending the
Dali Eireann meeting Wednesday. will
be challenged to take the oath Of
allegiance to the Sim Fein. 1t is de-
| clared they will refuse if so challenged
r.7 =, ~