Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-12-07
AT LAST

0UT of the darkness envcloping the su-
~ prcmc crisis in the long and tangled
history of Anglo-Iri relations has emerged
the Irish Free State. If all civilization
not merely those elements most intimately
invovcd-is inclined to strut bit and to
indulge freely in the thrills of clf-conscious
pride, there is in this instance integrity in
its stride and warranty for its feelings.
Estimates of progress arc often conflict
ing. But it is not easy to imagine that
December ), 1921, will for generations cease
to be regarded without emotions of the pro-
foundest JOY and of the sinCcrcst awe.
The world in general Is richly entitled to
its new access of self respect. In addition,
there nre specific honors accruing to the
delegates on both sides--to the Prime Min
lister of Great Britain and to the patriotic
and constructive statesmen of Ireland.
Conjectural apportionmcnt of individual
laurcls would, perhaps, be invidous. 1t
seems permissible. however, to dwell upon
the picture of Lloyd George battling into
the night for some formula of solution, and
of tho enrncStncSs of the Irish representa-
tives, skilled in dialcctics, determined to
preserve their principles and yet clutching
to the straws Of hope
The part played by King George Is un-
disclosed in detail. 1t is known that he was
engaged in eleventh hour conference with
the Premier. The King, however. omts all
reference to this event in his official telegram
Of congratulations to his adroit and again
triumphant minister.
Il am indeed happy" declares George
Windsor-thc context justifes the modesty
of the appcllation-''in some small way to
have contributed by my speech In Belfast to
this great achievement" This is new
style Of royal pronunciamcnto, just as the
settlement is n magnifccntly inspiring nov
city in the annals of international recon-
citations.
1t is deemed certain that the Dali Eireann
will concur fully in the action taken by it's
Skllful delegates Before the new year the
terms of settlement will be placed before
both houses of the British Parliament. In
this connection Lord Chancellor Birken-
heads view is significant. IF they do not
assent. the people of England will" in his
view, "have an early opportunity Of dccid
ing" The outcome can scarcely be doubted.
There are, of course. numerous details of
the peace. the disposal of which will lay
cxnCting demands upon the highest states
manShip. But the salient outlines are viSi-
bic and of an imposing splcndor.
The invention of the term Irish Free
State" is exceedingly happy. This Com
monwealth will enter the British association
of nations according to a formula recognizing
Ireland as an independent state with the
question of allegiance determined Satisfac-
toriy for both sides
It's eventual status, save for the provi-
sional arrangement made concerning Ulster
which may withdraw after months trial
il it chooses, will be equivalent to that Of
New Zealand, of Canada and Australia
The privilege of tariff freedom has been
granted, with the presumption that Ireland
will voluntarily support free trade with
England.
The boundary question with Ulster is to
be settled by special commission should
the NOrtherns hold out for n separate rating
The Irish delegates have recognized the ne
Cessity of striking a balance with Great
Britain in financial matters.
VIII professional pcSsrn!Sts soon be COM
peeled to move to another planet? Momen-
tOus accomplishments are assuredly moving
too fast for them. 1t is, indeed, not ex-
travagant to maintain that the prOspects of
the new Ireland have already changed the
face of civilization, effacing age old wrin-
kles with the radiance Of unaffected joy.