New Britain herald., 1921-08-26
Keen Interest in Ireland.

Dublin, Aug. 26, (By Associated Press) Reports that the Sim Fein had rejected Great Britain's offer of dominion status as a basis for a settlement of the Irish question and announcements that Ramon De Valera would probably explain the motives which actuated him and his col leagues in reaching their decision aroused keen interest iH today's pub lie meeting of the Irish republican parliament. The text of the note sent to London yesterday by the Sim Fein leaders had not been made pub lie but it was indicated in authorita tive quarters that it had maintained the principle of Ireland's independ- ence and had pointed out objections to the plan submitted by Premier Lloyd George.
 Optimism Expressed.
 Optimism over the continuance of the negotiations between the Sim F'ein and the British government was a,p- parent this morning and there seemed to be little apprehension over a pos sible break in the truce which was es- tab1ished about six weeks ago. It was believed that the Sim Fein note had not closed the door to further parleys and that settlement of the contro- versy which has estranged England and Ireland for generations could be reachcd possibly within a reasonable brief period
 Election of Officers Today.
 Today's agenda of the parliament called for the election of all officers of the Irish republican government, the terms of the men who had exer- cised control in the past having eX- pired. There were indications that the parliament would not finally adjourn while the peace negotiations were in progress. but would remain in session for the purpose of aiding in the work of reaching a satisfactory agreement with Great Britain.
 Streets Crowded.
 Long before the hour for the meet ing of the Dail Eireann, the street in front Of the Mansion House was crowded, the majority of the people there being women. Tickets had been issued for every available seat in the hall Of the Mansion House, where the parlia ment is sitting and there were many standing around the rotunda in hopes of being able to enter.
 Tickets Distributed.
 An hour before the time set for the session the floor and the galleries of the chamber had been filled with n assemblage that was more representa- tive of the country districts than the city. The deputies, each O. whom had Teen given ten tickets had distributed them among their constituents, thla bringing spectators in large numbers from the rural districts. It waa noter. that many of those present wore tn' little yellow or gold rins in the but ton hoe denoting that they were speakers of the Gaelic language. Representative O. the clergy wert more numerous in the audience thar in previous audiences at sessions O the Dail as also were women. but there were few familiar faces to be seen Maud Come O'Brien, who's ! l husband wa3 executed in 1916, occu- pied 8 prominent seat. She was ac- companied by Mrs. Charlotte Despard sister of Lord French, the former neu- tenant.
 Later Actions of Dail Eireann.
 After reading the letter to MT Lloyd George to the Dail MT. De Valera said:
 That reply sums up our position and I do not think it necessary to deal with it now, particularly as we haven't got reply from the British government.
 "Our position is unchanged. We cannot alter our position because it is fundamentally sound. Just the mo- nqent we get off that funda Trock of right and justice we have no case whatsoever. No fight can be made eS-
 
 we shall stand"
 Mir. De Valera proposed Arthur Griffith. founder of the Sim Fein as vicc-president and minister of for eisn affairs and the reelection of the other ministers and the Dan so | voted.
 The audience again was warned rot to applaud except when the depu- ties were entering, an Injunction which many apparently found diffi- cuIt to observe. The portrait of Par