Evening star., 1921-12-22
IRISH PEACE PACT
HANGS IN BALANCE
BY the Associated Press.

IlnlVuUWUniHiVUL
BY tie Associated Press.
DUBLIN. December .e.-Richard
Mulcahy, chief of staff of the
Irish republican army. created stir
when he began his speech on the
Anglo-Irish treaty in the dali eireann
today by saying that nobody wanted
the treaty. but saw no alternative to
it's acceptance.
The optimism which the supporters
of the treaty have been displaying
during the last two days appeared
somewhat diminished. however, before
the morning session had ended
When the dali adjourned for lunch
the impression seemed generally that
sentiment for the treaty had lost
some ground and that the result of
the vote was highly uncertain.
Sees Glorious Future.
Mulcahy's speech was the feature
OF the session. This was a moment
of defeat for Ireland. he declared.
but even in defeat we have secured
powers for the Irish people that will
enable them to rise to the fun height
of their aspirations
He was for acceptance of the
treaty. he said. because there was no
alternative path to choose.
Considering the possibility of a re-
newal of warfare. the chief of staff
said Ireland would enter it with lit
tie hope of success. because the mill.
tary forces were inadquate.
Woman Opposes Pact.
Mrs. Tom Clarke. widow of the ia
nous Irish hero. said the treaty meant
to Ireland more home rule than had
ever been offered before.
But why should We accept home
rule?" she asked.
Mrs. Clarke said she had not been
impressed by a single argument that
had been made for acceptance of the
treaty.
Hands off the republicr' cried Sean
Moylan, one Of Corks best-known
fighting men, in a ringing speech that
received great applause.
A decision as to ratification of the
treaty, or adjournment over the
Christmas holidays. was expected by
tonight as tre dali eireann gathered
for today's session.
Dublin Press Worried.
All observers agree that when the
vote on the treaty is reached the
majority either way will be small.
The supporters of the treaty appear
to be more confident than the oppos-
ing faction. but the Dublin press,
which is strongly in favor of accept
ance OF the treaty. continued this
morning to take a gloomy view of the
situation.
The political correspondent of the
Freeman's Journal, warned the dali
members that abstention from voting
by even a small number might
jeopardiZe ratification. He pointed
out that if the dali rejected the treaty
it would lapse automatically, and the
people would have no chance to en-
press their opinion on it.
When the dali session opened today
Okelly. minister of education, speak
ing against the treaty, said he had
been Strenuously opposed to sending
the Irish delegates to London when
the negotiations were opened. assert
ing that he had found the whole cabi-
net permeated by the counselS of
Cope of the Castle" His reference
was to A. w. Cope. undersecretary
of the Irish Office. who played lead
gotiatiOns.
Thinks Republic Still Lives.
O'Kelly. like Miss Mary MacSwiney
in her speech of yesterday, declared
the Irish republic was far from dead.
He said there would be continual
tion of the war in Ireland whether
the treaty was ratified or rejected.
O'KeIly said. amid protests. that the
delegates to London had set aside
their instructions. He himself had
been opposed from the outset to send
ing the delegates to London.
O'kelly read in bitter tones the
oath of allegiance. inserting in it the
name of j. j. Walsh, a well known
fighter. who is II supporter of the
er. asking: Which oath are you
reading?'
O'Keny proceeded to complain that
Commandant Mckeon had been placed
in a false position by being asked to
second the adoption of this dis
graceful treaty" Mckeon thereupon
arose and said:
Il seconded the motion of my own
free will and according to my own
Judgment and reason"
Prof. Hayes Irges Treaty.
Prof. Michael Hayes of the National
University supported approval of the
treaty. He said the effect of the treaty
was that England should evacuate
Ireland. and that was what they had
fought for. Michael Collins and Ar
thur Griffith loudly applauded this
passage.
Patrick O'Malley Of Galway, in
fiftcen-minute speech in Irish. sup
ported the treaty for what. he said.
was good in it. The people of Gal
way wanted it. he declared. 1t was
the last chance of saving the Irish
language. and its rejection would be
blot UPON the history of the Irish
nation. The opponents of the treaty
were playing to the gallery. he
charged.