The Washington herald., 1921-08-21

Some such reflections as these prompted by
a survey Of the Irish situation. which, as has been
remarked. daily becomes more so. The apparent
outstanding phenomenon Of communication between
the government OF Britain and the self-styled ruling
body OF Erin last week. heretofore the lack OF
true desire of compromise.
canon De Valera demonstrated his unyielding-
ness orally to the Dali Eireann Irish Parliament,
and to Lloyd George British premier. The Little
Welshman," on the other hand evidently quite as
determined the soi-disant President of the Irish
Republic, contented himself with taciturniy on the
main issue, the summonng of British resources
against another break, which is held inevitable in
some quarters and avoidable In most and the issu-
Of sangune pronouncements through the in
SIRED press
However. that there is sincere desire, at least
on the part Of coolheaded Englishmen to end the
Irish troubles there be no doubt. Late in the
week came rift in the clouds, gathering denser
for ten days before, in that the Hibernan leaders
had not definitely rejected the offer of dominion
government, though it riddled by De Valera in
speeches before the Dublin Assembly.
With the convocaton of Dali Eireann Mon
day, Sir Sir John Anderson undersecretary for Ire
land returned hurriedy from Scotland and conferred
with Gen. Sir Nevl Maccready, commander Of British
forces in the island. The following day, Significantly,
came the cancellation of all leaves of absence to SOL
ders on furiough from Ireland, according to au-
thoritative reports from Belfast,
TsE. n Optimism InStilled.
WTHILE the military situation is more or less
w tense, it has been the endeavor of high
British officials to- imbue their captains with feeling
of optimism. =. IL .
So much for the uniformed aspect of the affair.
In regard to political moves the first the publ
cation of letters between De Valera and Lloyd George
demonstrating that the situation was deadlock, as
between advocacy of dominion government and home
rnle. Substantially what he had declared to the
British premier, De Valera reiterated when he adj
dressed Dali Eireann Tuesday. In advancing the
claim for separation, he declared he and his advisers
had adopted toward England the principle laid down
by Cardinal MERCER, of Belgium, towards Germany
that external authority is unlawful
In a speech at the Wednesday session, while pro-
testing the friendship of southern Irish for those of
Ulster where the dominion proposition has proved
acceptable he declared that ireland had been Of
fered such thing home rule"
y "The statement that ireland offered do
mnion status" he said, contained two falsehoods.
Where is Ireland? There is no ireland in the terms,
but two broken pieces of Ireland.
what was offered was not dominion status. 1t
was admitted that the dominions had the right
seeede and could get out if they wished. Now
are told must stay in whether we like it or not"
On Thursday, the official announcement made
that the negotiations not mentioned at the
secret morning session of Dali Eireann. 1t was in
dicated that in line with his statement of Wednesday
that the Irish Republicans would make sacrifices to
Ulster they would dream of making to Eng
land" De Valera would announce to the Parliament
just what the nature of these sacrifices are. 1t
felt that a Impeachment between the north and
south might be possible and that then proposals
might be drawn up by the Munsterics for submission
to the British
How-Iong the secret conclaves would continue
was not to be ascertained. There hope
that Dc Valeras references Ulster in his Wednes-
day speech might lead Lloyd George or the British
authorities at Belfast to conversations with the
northcrncrs looking toward meeting with the