The New York herald., 1921-12-23


Neill would be described as his Maj
esty's Ministers The Irish constitution
would be drafted by the Irish people
and contain no reference to any other
country. The first article would con-
tain a provision that the sovereignty
OF Ireland Is derived from the Irish
people and holds authority over all per-
sons and things in Ireland.
The British might pass Dominions
act and might, IL they chose declare the
annexation of Ireland to the Republic
of Guatemala, and Mr.. Childers would
then no doubt argue that Irishmen were
citizens of Guatemala, but Irishmen did
not care what act the British passed.
The British had passed an act compell-
ing Irishmen to Join the British army 10
attack the Huns at the time they had
2o4 900 British troops in Ireland. What
happened to that act, how many men did
Lloyd George get by that act? he said
HE failed" said the speaker. though
Ireland at the time was unorganized. 1t
would be the same with Dominions act
The reason why | ask you to pass this
treaty is not because we are afraid, but
because we are not afraid: 1t is not be-
cause we are too weak. but because we
are strong enough to be tempted"
Liam Ro!site (William Roche) of Cork
city. who supported the treaty. said he
did so in accordance with his Dali OATH
which was to the Free State of Ireland
An overwhelming majority of the people
of Cark city, he declared, favored the
treaty; churches and homes throughout
the country had prayed for peace, and,
with Bishop Fogarty, he believed this
peace was Gods gift to Ireland In re-
sponse.
England's Government had changed
its policy. and he considered the treaty
as victory for the heroic Irish army
He urged the Cabinet to act unitedly in
arranging a referendum for the decision
of the Irish people.
Then arose the question of adjourn
ment and a long argument ensued. Ar
thur Griffith said he was prepared to
make any arrangement for fixing the
time for speakers. but as this was not
agreed to he refused to have any closure.
Michael Collins said they should either
adjourn until after Christmas or go right
ON through Christmas. He suggested ad-
journment to January 3.
Mr.. De Valera contended they should
continue another day at least and per-
haps might then decide. Mr.. Collins
replied that 1t was obvious they could
not finish tomorrow. He was anxious
that every member should put his view
on record.
One Of the most strenuous speakers
Of the day was J. ]. O'Kelly. who argued
that war was less likely IL the treaty
were rejected because it was an ac-
cepted fact that the young Irishmen
would fight against it. In his opinion
the delegates to London had unwittingly
forgotten their oath OF allegiance to the
republic.
Michael Collins arose angrlly and
said:
II am prepared to answer that before
any tribunal in Ireland or anywhere in
the world"
OKelly argued that the mandate of
the electors was Republican and de-
clared that il he got thousands of tele-
grams and resolutions from his constitu-
ents he would still vote against the
treaty. It meant subjection. servitude
and slavery.
The speech of Richard Mulcahy. Chief
Of Staff of the Irish Republican Army,
was the feature of the morning session
This was a moment Of defeat for Ire
land. he declared, but even in defeat
we have secured powers for the Irish
people that will enable them to rise to
the full height Of their aspirations"
He was for acceptance Of the treaty,
he said because there was no alterna-
tive path to choose.
Considering the possibility OF re-
newal Of warfare, the Chief OF Staff
said Ireland would enter 1t with little
hope OF success, because the military
forces were inadequate.
Ireland, continued Mulcahy, had not
the power to drive the British out OF
anything in Ireland larger than good
sized police barracks. She had but a
small force--a force sufficient to make
resistance possible by the people for
many years, but certainly not sufficient
to win n war OF internal liberation.
Mulcahy said he did not look on the
clauses regarding Ulster as prejudic!ng
Ireland's position. and at any rate the
treaty gave Ireland full executive con-
troll over the country's resources.
Sean Moylan, in opposing the treaty,
said he did so as convinced Rapubli-
can. He declared It was a weapon
which would not wipe out British inter-
ests from Ireland but would In reality