The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-08-13
By Associated Press


 Dublin, august 12.-Dub1in wa, sudden death of Arthur Griffith president of tle Dail Eireann. and everywhere 1t was commented on as one of the most tragic and wholly land. Death came at a nursing home, apparently from heart attack following an operation for tonsilitis Immediately signs of mourning were displayed. flags were set at half mast.
 The first question was what the death of the leader would have on the solution of problems before the provisional government. His col league. Michael Collins, recently has devoted his attention almost en- tirely to the military operations against the irregulars, while the country looked to MT. Griffith to manage the civil affairs.
 Through president of the Dial Eireann, MT. Griffith held no minis terial portfolio. William Cosgroye, minister of local government acted as head of the Irish executive dur ing MT. Griffith's illness.
 The death of Arthur Griffith marks the passing of one of the foremost figures in modern Ireland. He was one of the most conspicuous leaders in the creation of the new Irish Free State. He was one of the founders of the Sim Fein move- ment and has been among the fore most leaders directing its Activities. He has been somewhat out of the limelight, however, during the re- cent military activities. which have been directed largely on behalf of the Free State forces, by Michael Collins, head of the Irish provision al government, set up under the terms of the Anglo-Irish treaty.
 MT. Griffith formerly was an edi- tor of Dublin and later established the newspaper United Irishmen fol- lowed by the Sim Fein and then The Nationality.
 He first attracted attention y his uncompromising attitude for absten- ton by Irish members from attend- arce of the sessions of the british parliament at Westminster. This idea gradually formed the nucleus of the Sim Fein organization which took the place of the Irish nation alist movement.
 Elected officer
 In october, 1919, Griffith was elect ed presiding officer for the open ing of the Sim Fein conference in Dublin. He was later nominated as Sim Fein delegate from East Cav an. During the peace conference at Paris in 1912, he was chosen as an Irish delegate to present the Irish case, but failure to get safe con duet from the British government prevented his attendance.
 In July, 1919, Griffith was elected acting president of the Irish na- tional assembly in the absence oi Eamon DeValera, who was in the United States. In october of the same year he was elected one of the permanent vice presidents or the Sim Fein organization.
 Griffith was arrested in public In November, 1920 and spent seven months in Mount Joy prison. During his Imprisonment he issued mes sage to the Irish people as to the conduct of the Sim Fein organiza- tion. An attempt was made to re- lease him from prison but the ar mored car used for that purpose failed to carry out its mission.
 Devalera Returns.
 The return of DeValera from America was attributed to Griffith's imprisonment as DeValera on his re- turn, resumed the active direction of Sim Fein affairs.
 Early in June 1921, there were re- ports of London conference at which Irish leaders would be invited to consult with members of the British cabinet. Griffith was men tioned among the probable delegates. His release from prison followed later in the same month.
 Griffith accompanied Devalera to London in July when the extended se- ries of conferences was opened. Later when the conference shifted to different points. Griffith was ap- pointed chairman of the Sim Fein mission. He was in London through october, November ana December, carrying on the negotiations which culminated December Q with the signing of the treaty between Great Britain and Ireland and which has since been approved by the British parliament and the Dail Eireann.