The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1921-08-18
CBy Associated Press Leased wire)

(By Associated Press Leased Wire)
Dublin.-In opening the Dali Eireann
at its first public session here today
Eamonn de Valera, the republican
leader. reiterated Ireland's claim fol-
separation from Great Britain and de-
clared the only government the people
recognized was the ministry of the
Dali Eireann, the Irish republican par
lament.
He and his colleagues, de Valera said
had adopted towards England the prin-
ciple laid down by Cardinal MERCER Of
Belgium towards Germany ex-
ternal authority was unlawful. The
Irish, he said, stood for the ideals en-
tKroned in the American Declaration OF
independence.
Mr.. de Valera provoked laughter by
describing the British attitude as that
of great nation demanding guaran-
tees for its safety from small one
when it should be big nation guaran-
teeing safety to a small state.
Mr.. de Valera pointed to the virtual
ly impossible conditions, surrounding
negotiations with the British govern
ment for the position he said was that
of a man unarmed facing man point
ing a pistol. There were people who
wanted to negotiate to save their faces
he continued, but the Sim Fem would
not negotiate to save faces, but to save
if possible bloodshed and for right and
principle.
The cabinet, Mr.. de Valera declared
did not think the British proposals
were just.
Released Prisoners Present.
The republican parliament met tc
consider the British governments Irish
peace terms. There were 1870 members
present, including those who had been
released from prison to admit of their
attending the session. A great auGt'
ence crowded the gallery floor as Mr.
de Valera led the members into the
chamber. Prayer was offered III be-
ginning the ceremonial and then the
oath was administered to all the mem.
bers en- masse.
John 7. Kelly was reelected speaker
of the parliament but he declined the
Office and Prof John Mcneil was then
chosen. After the formalities had
been concluded and Mr.. de Valera hac
addressed the assembIage, the parlia
ment adjourned.
Mr. de Valera in. his address said he
would tomorrow give an account of the
negotiations with Lloyd-George, the
British premier, after which the reply
to the premier's offer would be consid-
cred in private session.
Women Among the Delegates.
The members in attendance included
half dozen women, among whom was
Countess Markievicz.
The scenes attending the opening OF
the parliament were in striking con.
trast to those witnessed in Belfast
when King George opened the Ulster
parliament. Dublin was not decorated
as was Belfast, and instead Of squad
rons of cavalry anG innnmerable police
the only uniformed men to be seen or
the streets were traffic officers. Ever
these did not appear in the vicinity Of
the mansion house where the parlia.
ment met. The crowds which stood fol
hours in a downpour of rain were kept
in order by republican volunteers who
also acted as ushers to members of tbs
parliament and those holding tickete
Of admission to the hall. Most mem
bers of the Dali Eireann were un
known to the crowd which reserved I'll
cheers for such recognized leaders al
Eamonn de Valera and Arthur Griffith
No Change in Ulster.
Belfast After meeting Of the I'll
ster cabinet which was held today. az
official report was issued stating thai
the general situation vas carefully re
viewed and that there was absolutely
no change in the position so far as
Ulster was concerned.
Walsh Accompanies de Valera.
The audiences occupied seats in tn.
gallery-ant on the floor Of the chamber
around the square space in front of TIL
dais in which the $50 members oceu
pied battered armchairs and sofas
Over the dais was the coat Of arms q
the O'Neills, tile clan Of the present
lord mayor red hand on shielG
with a swimming fish beneath.