The New York herald., 1921-12-07
SIGNING OF PEACE
PLEASES IRISH HERE
Few Dissenting Voices Come
From Groups Of Radical
Sim Feiners.
NEW ERA is NOW SEEN
Lloyd George and De Valera
Receive Equal Credit for
Closing Breach.

News OF the signing of the Irish peace
terms in London was received here yes
terday with expressions of gratitude and
relief by prominent Irish-Americans and
sympathizers in the Irish cause, the only
dissenting voices being those Of the ex-
treme element of the Sim Fein who
were disappointed over what they c,n-
sidered a compromise with the national
aspirations of the Irish people.
The more conservative group cf those
identified with the Irish struggle were
quick to hail the peace terms as an
example OF a new conscience stirring ir
England, and also to pay tribute to both
canon de Valera and Lloyd George fol-
remarkable persistence and patience in
the face of many discouragements. Many
Of those interviewed professed to see In
the Anglo. Irish agreement the beginning
of new era of amity among nations.
and particularly a closer union between
the English speaking races.
In contrast to this feeling there was
significant silence maintained by the
officers and members of the Friends of
Irish Freedom, representing the radical
wing of the Sim Fein.
View of One Radical.
when the British leave Ireland and
when they inform Craig that Ulster is in
ireland and not a province of England
we will feel that peace is at hand" said
Joseph Connolly, Consul General to the
United States 'In the meantime the
republic functions and will continue to
do So"
Judge John Jerome Rooney was the
only member of the Friends Of Irish
Freedom who would consent to speak
openly on the question last night. The
Irish people, he said. were the final
Judges Of the results of the London nego-
tiations and he did not believe the Irish
people would consent TO anything less
than complete independence" in the
event a referendum was taken, which he
assumed would be the case.
At the Office of the Gaelic American, 1t
was said that no statement would be
made by John Dewey, the editor, until
more comprehensive reports were re-
ceived from London. Similarly the
American Commission on Irish 1nde-
pendence remained silent on the matter.
owing to the absence of Henry Boland.
the president who went to Washington
on Sunday. Frank p. Walsh, one of the
most active Of Irish freedom advocates
and counsel to the Irish Republicans,
was absent from his offie in the Wool
worth Building, II being stated that he
was en- route TO Chicago.
Judge TaIIey's Tribute.
The following are some Of the opinions
Of prominent Irish Americans on the
peace settlement:
Morgan y. O'Brien. former Supreme
Court Justice-"The settlement of Irish
freedom will go far, In my opinion. IN
uniting the English speaking peoples,
who in their respective countries Will
have 10 assume the burden of settling
the great world problems. The aues.
ton which has more than any other kept
these people apart has been the SEEM
ingly impossible question of Ireland.
The realization of success VIII redound
TO the everlasting credit and glory oil
Lloyd George and his associates.
Bryan l.. Kennedy. president of Bryan
J.. Kennedy, Inc, and vice-presihent OF
the Hartman National Bank-"The con-
gratulations of the entire world are due
Eamon de Valera and the gallant pa
triots who stood by him during all the
trying days of the past few years. ] see
In their victory the early restoration OF
worldwide peace. the revival OF world
wide commerce and the return of world
wide prosperity. A dream OF centuries
has In part come true; the daring ana
sacrifice the eloquence and appeals, ana
the sufferings and hopes of the Irish
people have at last borne fruit In the
establishment Of free state see the
dawn of a new era, sense the coming
of a new and better age. Al honor and
glory to Irishmen who had the courage
to enter the breach and the fortitude to
see the peace negotiations through to a
triumphant finish"
Judge TsIley's Tribute.
Judge Alfred J. Tnliey or the Court
of General Sessions-"For centuries Ire
land has been compelled by pefeecu-
ton unparalleled in history to be "A nation
of exiles. and what has been Ireland's
loss has been a rich contribution In
craftsmanship. elouuence, literature and
art, in the bravery of her men and the
virtue of her women In the upbuildins
OF other nations Of the world, particu-
larly our own. These influences she can
now devote to the welfare OF her coun-
try"
Judge John J. Rooney, one OF the
founders of the Friends of Irish Free
dom-"The settlement as far as | see
does not really settle the fight OF Ire
land for complete independence. the
use OF the expression free state does
not mean that ireland is really free, un-
less the sovereign independence of that
country is recognized. However. | do
not believe that the men and women OF
ireland will ever consent after all their
sacrifices to anything less than this
The Rev. John ]. Wynn. editor Of the
Catholic Encyclopedia-"The settlement
is lesson in peace making for all the
world. and it's happy termination comes
auspiciously during our own disarma-
ment conference and in this season Of
good will"