The New York herald., 1921-01-09
BY A. G.. GARDINER.
FormerIy Editor of the London "Daily
News"

Formerly Editor ol 'ne huo" Dans
Special Gable to THE NEW YORK HERALD
Copyright, 1921. 5y THE New YORK HERALD.
LONDON, Jan. S.-The sensation of
this week has been the return of
Eamonn de Valera president of the
Irish Republic'O to Ireland. When
the announcement of his return was
first made here it was treated with
general incredulity. There had been
no forecast of any such happening,
and the strictest inquiries revealed no
evidence of his presence aboard the
ship by which he was said to have
crossed the Atlantic.
Moreover, in the present circum-
stances it seemed too daring a chal
lenge to the military, who are in COM
plote occupation of the island nearly
all the counties south and west of
Dublin being actually under martial
law.
When It became no longer possible
in Ireland, it was assumed that he had
taken this risk of capture and all the
consequences in order to direct the
Irish Republics" campaign at its
most critical stage. Meanwhile there
was much speculation about where he
was hiding and the probabilities Of his
capture They seemed considerable
for the country is overrun by police
and soldiery, and the notorious spy
system of late has become much more
efficient than it formerly was.
Not Hunting De Valera.
But on Wednesday the sensation
took a new and unexpected turn. 1t
was found that De Valera was not
only in Ireland but in Dublin itself
and it was known that the Govern
ment had no intention of hunting for
him and Of arresting him if he was
caught. To the contrary, 1t was stated
in practically serni-official terms that
he was to have a safe conduct for a
meeting of the Dali Eireann and that
the Government was prepared to treat
with him directly.
the deepest sensation experienced in
the English political world for a long
time. II was taken to indicate a very
dramatic climax to the tragic events
of the last six months, and to fore
shadow a real attempt to get out Of
the anarchy into which the Govern
ment of Ireland had drifted.
Before I suggest the lines of that
attempt, it may be well to say woru
about the causes for this surprising
and hopeful development They are
not confined to one side. Both sides,
| think, have come TO realize that the
present deplorable situation must be
ended. There is no weakening Of the
Irish essential demand, but there is
no doubt that the reign of terror, with
it's terrible effects on the general popu-
lation, has had an important influence
on the nations morale.
on the other hand. events in Eng
land have begun to tell on the Gov
ernment. 1t sees there is point OF
public opinion which can no longer
be relied on by it for support, or which
will be Indifferent The great cam
paign against terrory which Herbert
H. Asquith inaugurated two months
ago was followed by a striking Liberal
revival Mr.. Asquith has spoken at
great meetings all over this country
and his crusade has been compared
both for it's passion and reception, with
Gladstone's campaign against the Bull
garian atrocities. a sinister fact in
connection with this campaign was
the practical suppression of the press.
But the attempt to blanket it failed.
The heather of Liberalism is dry and
is well alight with fires which are
spreading under a favorable wind for
the widespread unemployment depres-