The Washington herald., 1922-02-20
lrelands Most Critical Period.

THE. statement of Lord Birkenhead in the
i house of lords that Ireland is now facing
the most critical period in her history, must be
taken most seriously. Lord Birkenhead is one of
the committee of the British government which ne
gotiated the peace with Ireland. In his conduct
and his utteranees he has displayed fair and
liberal attitude the Irish question. His intimate
connection with the settlement convinces that his
opinion is of weight.
The kidnapping of 100 FISHERMEN, the attacks
and casualties along the border, the use of ma
chine gun and rifles by republicans at Clone with
number of deaths resulting, the sinister threats
Of Soviet control of the railroads in certain Sec
tons of Southern ireland, the refusal of detach-
rnents Of the republican army to acknowledge the
authority and obey the orders of the provisional
government, illustrate the present turbulent and
confused state of affairs in Southern ireland. The
haIting of the steady evacuation of British troops
on account of the turn of events is indicative of
the disturbed situation. The conferences of Michael
Collins head of the provisional government, with
Premier Lloyd George and Winston Churchill in
London, emphasizes the importance attached to re-
cent events in Ireland.
-Irelands troubles now can, of course, be laid
to Mr.. De Valera and his followers, principally to
Mr.. De Valera His policy of rule OF ruin is costing
ireland dear By his expressed or implied ncite-
nent characterization and violence, he is credited
with having caused the halt IN British evacuation
With this he is said to be pleased it is part of his
government will score great victory. Mr.. Collins
the first place committed him, In reality, to set
tlenSnt whereby ireland would remain within the
empire, although his alternate proposal submitted
to the Dali provided greater reality of freedom
for Ireland than the settlement, although he knows
perfectly we'll that Britain would no more permit
separation now than before the settlement, he
has done and is doing all in his power to obstruct
the difficult course Of the provisional government
Mr.. Collins seems to be a Of Astounding VII
tality and optimism. He says al new nations have
their. troubles. He utters the thought that Sir
lanes Craig is a reasonable in difficult posi-.
ton because of extremists He doesn't hesitate to
send, stiff cablegrams to Irishmen in America urg-
ing them to support the provisional government if
they, really care for ireland. He looks forward
with confidence the result of general election in
Ireland believing that supporters of the provisional
government will score great victory. Mr.. Collins
expressions and personality are very encouraging
item in the Irish situation.
Mr. Collins has announced himself as favorable
to Submitting the settlement to the people through
a general election. He is confident of the outcome.
Impartial observers in ireland express the same
confidence 1t is true that the launching of Mr..
De Valera's campaign against the provisional gov
eminent met with an enthusiastic reception from
Dublin crowds. But it must NOT be- assumed that
all the men and women who gathered about his
speakers and cheered would against the provis-
ionab government. Those Who attend free, open-air
for the meetings 1t is true that the Sim Fein
women, in fheir recent convention. demanded a
republic, but that does prove that majority of