Evening star., 1922-02-23
|S|NN FE|N ACTION
| CAUSES new FEAR
Treaty Supporters Alarmed
by Long Adjournment.
Press Views Divided.
By the Associated Press.

by tne Associated Press.
DUBLIN. February 23.-General sat-
| isfaction seems to be felt in southern
Ireland over yesterdays surprise de-
cision Of the ard fheis for a three
month adjournment, at the end Of
which the people will be asked to
vote on constitution as well as on
the Anglo-Irish treaty.
This opinion Is not unanimous, how
ever. Many heartily indorse the con-
vention's qualification at the preser-
| vation Of the Sim Fein's unity, but
some stanch supporters of the treaty
are disappointed and inclined to agree
with. John McEntee's declared opinion
| that "the agreement was clearly a re-
publican victory"
One question much discussed in
some quarters is what is going to
the imperial parliament, which. it is
contended. is shattered to a great
! extent by the ard fheis' decision.
Election Issue to Front.
The correspondent of the Freeman's
Journal writes:
The fact that the leaders of both
parties were able to rise above their
aRTee-
ment may be taken. one hopes, as
q good omen for the future. De
valera's attitude toward an appeal to
the people at this stage brought the
question OF a general election to the
forefront as the main issue at the
private conference.
One may imagine that Arthur
Grlmth and Michael Collins were not
convinced by argument that this was
co,rs. c.ner an, an unwise or undesirable
to sink their personal views for the
sake and In the hope Of unity.
The new agreement will certainly
take away the slightest vestige Of
justification from the officers Of the
South Tipperary brigade. whose proc
own general headquarters caused a
anarchy"
The Freeman's Journal editorially
the agreement with relief and Joy
equal to that of the delegates to the
ard fheis.
Dali Leaders Take Risks.
I'm agreeing to the postponement
the members of the dali undoubtedly
have taken risks. but the country will
approve the decision to put something
agreement might be reached.
This depends upon the use to which
the interval Is put by those who dis
approve the treaty. If they employ
1t in hampering the efforts of the pro.
vlsionai vnd nal government to restore reace
Gaelic state. the result will be
worse chaos and disaster than the
country has yet passed through"
The Irish Independent rejoices that
presage that the leaders were herding
for hostility is 'rightened for the mo-
ment at least" adding: For, If there is
not complete reconciliation, there is at
least mutual forbearance; there is
truce to discord. and above all a pos
sibility for ultimate agreement"
while we hope for this agreement"
the editorial continues, I'VE cannot ask
either side to abandon its convictions.
Those who believe. as we think the vast
majority Of our countrymen do believe.
that the Anglo-Irish treaty gives US the
full substance Of freedom nave now to
make good their case. If those In whose
hands the affair rests lose no time in
drafting a constitution acceptable to our
people. we see no reason why even the
opponents Of the treaty should not see
the advantage Of giving their co-opera-
tion."
Hope to Avoid Attacks.
The Irish Times says: That the pro-
visional governments difficulties are
numerous, formidable and urgent was
proved by the bargain struck yesterday.
1t was manifest that the provisional
government wanted a period Of truce so
bad that they were willing to pay a
heavy price for such relief.
Griffith and Collins secure, or hope to
secure. temporary freedom from open
attack. from the danger Of snap votes
In the dali, where their majority Is pre-
carious, and from the threats Of the
mutinous section Of tae Sim Fein.
IoNDoN PRESS puzzrEn