Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-08-15
Dali Eirea1,n Has
Informal MeetiYlg

ing an end. This fear on the part Of
the soldiers is considered great danger,
one official pointing out that a soldier
with a. gun who fears his opponent will
not adhere to the agreement to give
forty eight hours notice of the ending
of the truce might commit acts that
would jeopardize the continuance of the
negotiations.
Reluctant to Renew War
The optimists in Dublin Castle base
their hopes on several factors. The first
Is that a four days session of the Re-
publican Parliament has been arranged
for. If the Republican Cabinet had de-
cided to recommend immediate. rejection
of the terms, they argue, one day would
have been sufficient, whereas If persua-
sion either way were necessary some
days would be required
Another factor pointed to Is that
many of the fighting men on the Re-
publican side have returned to civil en-
ployment. The police declare the evil
dence they have gathered indicates these
men would obey orders to return to the
field, but that they would do so reluct-
antly.
The votes of such men, the optimists
figure, would almost certainly be for
settlement If a plebiscite were taken
and these castle officials believe the
Republican cabinet will propose ref
erendum.
Surprise is expressed in some quarters
that De Valera did not ask the British
Government for general amnesty, which
Is a live question for the moment. One
of the newspapers posted placards
throughout the city bearing the slogan,
Release for ALL"
The Dali Eireann may propose sub
mission of the question to a plebiscite,
but this proposal may not come from
those wishing to prolong the truce as
long as possible.
Fears Appalling Warfare
The Dublin Independent today re-
joiced that negotiations had not been
broken.
1T would be tragic if thev were.'
the newspaper said, land it Is strongly
to be hoped there will be a satisfactory
settlement, thereby averting the possi-
bility of intensified warfare which, IL
it occurred, would open an appalling
prospect. Nothing should now be said
or done to make more difficult the task
of those who have the destiny of Ireland
In their hands"
The Freeman's Journal said the Of
fetal publication of the letter from Cen
eral SHUTS to Mr.. de Valera by the
Government last Saturday gave that
document an Importance which it might
not otherwise possess, "but which I 1t
would be unwise to ignore
publication Of the contents of that
letter was acceptance by the Govern
ment of General Smuts' Interpretation
of the Governments offer. Otherwise,
it's publication would be an act of de-
ception. The letter. therefore, Is no
longer a letter of private advice, but
document of binding consequence"
The Irish Times says:
"The Dali Eireann tomorrow will
have unique opportunity of healing
1reland's many wounds and of assuring
for the Irish people great and glorious
future. We hope and pray they will
follow General Shuts safe advice"
The Cork Examiner says: '"The way
easier If Ulster were little more
Welding, but we have got to face the
fact that Sir James Craig's Ulster
wants, for the present at all events,
to stand upon its own"
Belfast, Aug. 15.-(By A. P.)-Lit-
of the letter from Eamon de Valera to
Prime Minister Lloyd George rejecting
the British offer of dominion status for
Ireland, rs talk of peace has been re-
garded with much skepticism.
1t is pointed out that should the truce
in Southern Ireland be ended, the Gov
ernment's difficulties would be enor-
mously increased through having recog-
nized the Sim Fein as belligerents.
A meeting of the Ulster Cabinet has
been called, although Ulster is only di-
rectly interested. Sir James Craig, the
Premier, is grouse shooting in Scotland.
Separation Would Be Suicide"
Commenting on the new develop
ments, the Unionist Belfast Telegraph
says:
What a tragedy for Irish ma
tionalism that there is not today in Its
ranks one man of the quality, char
acter, bigness and craftsmanship to
stand forth upon the stage and rally
round him all the thousands who are
groaning for such a peace as Is now
offered and are turning weeping eyes
and longing hearts everywhere for some
strong man to lead them out of the
Gethsemane which the gunmen have
made of Ireland.
England has been magnanimous to
the point of folly, and Ireland insane
to the point of criminality. For Ire
land, separation would be suicide"
The text of the Ulster Cabinets OBJ
servations on the situation, signed by
Premier Craig, was made public here
last evening. The statement says that
the acceptance by the Ulster leaders of
the original invitation of the British
Government to meet in conference with
1t in London still holds good and that
they will be available at any time their
assistance is again desired.