Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-12-19
Griffith Asks Dali
to Rdtify Treaty

George carly in the negotiations, saying
rho Government proposed making Ire
land cocqual with the other British
dominions and to secure for Ireland a
plscc in the League of Nations. The
letter also promised the withdrawal of
the naval and military forces from ire
land when the agreement was ratified.
Mr.. Griffith said the oath of allie
glance agreed upon was one (which
Sny Irishman can take with honor"
nc concluded by urging the Dali to
ratfy his resolution and the Irish peo-
ME everywhere to confirm it. Hearty
applause was given him as he resumed
his seat.
Griffith Defends. Agreement
Ar thur Griffith, in the course of his
snpech opening debate on ratification,
said the point in dispute was with re-
card to the recognition of the King
Those on the other side were prepared
10 recognize the King as head of the
British Commonwealth. The alternative
proposals to the treaty meant that Ire
land would he half in and half out Of
the British Empire, whereas under the
treaty the Irish would go in with heads
Nm. This was the main difference, ami
he would not sacrifice a single young
Trishman for It.
Mr.. Griffith said this was the first
rfcaty signed between England and Icc-
lnnd as equals since the year 1172. II
recognizes the Irish Free State. the
Irish army and Irish control of the
nurse. He protested against any rep
rcsentation that the opponents of the
treaty we're standing by the republic
Mr.. Griffith said il the treaty were
rejected and Ireland went to war again,
she would be fighting against the world.
Ir,gh ,la,, ,tHDN -.
went to London to perform as difficult
task MS could be placed on the shoul-
,crs of man. (Cheers) Other men
wore asked to go TO London, but they
had refused,
We went" he continued. "anI
brought back treaty which safeguards
he interests Of Irclnnd-and by that
rrpaty I'm going to stand, and every
one behind us with n scrap of honor is
going to stand by it.
Speaking of the plenipotentiaries who
Negotiated the treaty. Mr.. Griffith said :
1T is for the Irish people. who are
their masters and not their servants. as
some people imagine, to say whether
this is n good enough treaty" lie de-
,lared Ireland should not be asked to
throw away the treaty and return to
,rar over the mere quibblng of words.
so far as my voice can be heard" he
addcd. mot one Irishmnns life shall
hc lost on such an issue
De Valera Moves for Rejection
President De Valera then rose to
roye the rejection of the treaty.
"I am against this treaty because
il viii not end the conflict between
Crc"t Britain nnd Ireland" he de-.
clared. II am against the treaty be-
,anse 7 am for peace. not war; He
orgued that the Irish people would
never he reconciled to the agreement.
Mr No Valera vigorously denounced
rho treotr nc ;subverting the nubiic -
IIe dwclt ot length upon the allegiance
reeturo of the document. inyeiphinp
N imnassionpd tones against what he
docla red would bo tbe ;ononinv of the
Wish nconle taking the oath of nile
yience to the British King. He paid
srihnte bowever to Tho delegates who
.ionod tho noct saving what tbev did
vas in their EXCESS Of love for Ire
land ;,
Continuation OF Strife Predicted
Mr.. De Valera continuing his arsu-
ment for rejection. declared
"If King. George came over to opcn
The Irish Parliament you would see
Jack flags in the streets of Dublin"
He likened the treaty to the act of
union. declaring it would lead to end :
less strife.
Summing IN he asserted the treaty
was entirely inconsistent with Ireland $
nositlon ana that IL IL we're in..ne,' ..
Fnainnd
C7rios of "no', from sunnorters of tho
Ieatv followed this declaration.
Smstin stack seconded President De
valera's motion. saving he stood for
,,romnlcte indpnendence and nothing
,hort nf Il
Count Pmnkett also smoke in suppor,
If tho motion Cor roiect;on
During his address President De
Valera said If provisional government
we're set up by Griffith and Collins in
Dublin Castle 1t would be, regarded by
IL, people as usurpation. They had
been chosen British power as the au
hority in Ireland, he declared.
Mr.. De Valera said this was the mo
ment when grand peace" was pos
>ble, and under it King George would
rome to Dublin.
Cries of mo, no. from his sup
porters.) He meant, he said, as the
Presidents of America or France should
rome, as the heads of friendly States.
There were loud cries of no" when
Mr.. De Valera said the Irish army
would be his Majcsty's army and the
Irish Ministers His Majesty's Ministers
To this Mr.. Dc Valera responded thai
time would tell.
N.s, c.,.. ,r...,.
N"'"hai sentiment ohia'orapie