The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-12-24
IRISH TREATY
CAUSES VIDE
SPLIT In Dali


Leaders Are Uncer-
tain
Dublin, Dec. I9.-When the Dali
Eireann adjourned tonight after
lengthy public sessions devoted to
earnest debate, nothing tangible
had developed to indicate how the
members would vote on the oues-
ton of ratifying the treaty de-
signed to set up the Irish Free
State.
Immediately after adjournment.
the correspo adent interviewed four
prominent Sim Feiners. Al OF
them declared it was impossible to
make any estimate Of the relative
strength of those favoring and
those opposing the treaty, Or to
hazard guess as to which side
would eventually gain a majority
The uncertainty Of even the
prominent leaders regarding the re-
suit was reflected on the one side
on Michael Collins declaration that
ne might never again address the
DAN Eireann. and, on the other
side. Charles Burgess pointed
statement that he was still in Of
hce," indicating to the hstener1 his
apprehension that he might .,ossi-
bly, be defeated
The proceedings are certain to
last through tomorrow as many of
the minor members have indicated
their intention OF speaking. No
time limit has been set for the
speeches. and scme think that the
debate may even continue through
out the entire week.
An outstanding feature was the
attempt by the delegates to the
London conference to deprive Mr..
De Valera Of his claim of adher-
enee to the republican principle by
demanding the publication CT his
plan for an alternative settlement,
which it was revealed had been
submitted at last weeks private
sessions OF the Dali The argu-
nlent was that the nation had a
right TO know what We're the two
policies they were expected to de-
eide upon. and that-Ss a matter Of
fact, neither was republican.
Mr.. De Valera defended publ
eaten OF his alternative plan, ex-
planning that it was put forward
only In an attempt 70 secure unan-
unity in the Dali Eireann, and was
now irrelevant. He promised, how
ever, at a later time to indicate
( in his own way the alternative
proposal. s1si
The division in the Sim Fein
parliament cuts across ali ordinary
lines. It is no. case, as today's
proceedings clearly showed. Of the
Irish army arrayed against civil
ians, for notable army leaders were
found both for and against the
treaty.
De Valera, Griffith, Collins,
Childers and several other promi-
nent men in the councils of the
party spoke today on either side
bat it is generally agreed that the
most sensational and most impress
sive contribution was Robert Bar
tons narrative Of the circumstances
under which he and other delegates
were, according to his statement
forced to sign the treaty withou,
referring it back TO the cahine,
at Dublin.
Mr.. Barton said his oath to the
republic was the most sacred bond
on earth and he had broken it as
the lesser Of two alternative out
RACES forced upon him and he was
compelled to choose Immediately
Mr.. Griffith. he explained, had
repeatedly sought to have the terms
referred back to the Dsii Eireann
but this, Premier Lloyd George di-
rectly negatived. The signature OF
every member Of the delegation
was necessary Or war would fol-
low at once. and the prime min
lister gave the delegation until 10
O'Clock to make up their minds.
Griffith. Collins and Duggan
We're. he said, for the signature.
but he and Gavan Duffy We're
against it. He held out, and that
placed the responsibility cor waE
on him: so he signed, rather than
commit the Irish people to war
without consultation.
And So" he explained, II now
fulfill; my undertaking, and rec
ommend to you this treaty"
Loud applause followed his
speech coming partly from the op-
ponents Of the treaty. who appar-
entiy recognize in Mr.. Barton's
narrative q serious attack on the
agreement and partly from the
supporters Of the treaty, who well
coined preservation OF the solidar-
ity OF the London delegation, as
there had been rnmurs in Dublin
indicating Mr.. Barton's intention TO