Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-12-10
,(By The Associated press.)

London, Dec 9.--After the first
surprise occasioned by Eamon De Va
lera's reputation Of the proposition
fer creating the Ir.sh free state, or
ficials in both London and Dublin
were occupied today mainly in cam
vassing the prospects for ratification
of the Anglo-Irish treaty when 1t
comes before the meeting of the
Dali Eireann next Wednesday.
The balance Of opinion in both
cities appeared to be that Arthur
Griffith, as spc nsor Of the treaty, will
obtain an effective majority, although
it was admitted here that De Valera
possesses a strong following and that
the voting, therefore, may possibly be
very close. If De Valera should be
defeated in his fight against ratifica-
ton. It is thought here that he may
reg sn' his position as head Of the
Sim Fein.
Should matters develop into taking
plebiscite of the Irish people, it is
thought there would not be the
favor of the treaty.
Viscount Morley 10 Speak.
At the special request of Ldrd Cur
zon. the address in reply TO King
Georges speech in the house OF
| Iorraa next Wfednesday VIII BE made
| by Fiscount Morley, one OF the old
est and staunchest advocates Of
Irish home rule. He will make the
motion for ratification. The motion
will be seconded by Earl Dunraven.
Prime Minister Lloyd George and
Premier Sir James Craig of Ulster
held long conference today, which
was participated in at various times
| by other ministers. Nothing was
results OF the conference. It was
supposed, however. that the confer
ence had to do largely with matters
| of finance.
! During the afternoon, Mr.. Lloyd
! George and Sir James had two-hour
j private conversation in the prernfer's
official residence. IL is believed the
conferences will continue tomorrow,
and that they will be attended by
other Ulster officials. =, -
!. E1ucidation of Treaty
Today's conferences are said to
have been on the matter of elucida-
| ton of the treaty and not concerning
the granting Of any concessions to
! Ulster beyond that contained in the
{ treaty. A rigid term of the bargain
with the Sim Fein is understood to
have been that Ulster shall obtain no
other terms than those in the treaty
and that the ministers pledged hem
selves tha neither now nor hereafter
will Ulster. If she stays out, get the
/ fiscal and other powers that are
given the south. 1t is stated that the
Sim Feiners would not have agreed
but for the promises they got in this
respect. The idea of the Sim Feiners
is declared to have been that the only
chance to get Ulster in was ITO
squeeze her in by economic induce
ments.
T; Less attention is being paid TO the
situation of Ulster than previously. in
view OF the weightier question OF the
effect Of cannon De Valera's decision
against the treaty. Arthur Griffith
in determin; ;ng to stand by the agree
ment. is asserted to have the support
of many of the most influential men
: in this party. while Michael Collins
is expected to carry all the fighting
elements among the Sim Feiners In
favor of the treaty. William Cos
4 grove, who also supports Mr.. Griffith
in his position as minister for the local
government is in close touch with all
bodies in Ireland with which he has
great influence.