The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-08-12
GRIFFITH, DALI
HEAD, is DEAD
Well Known Irish Leader
Victim of Infiu-
enza
WAS "A FOUNDER
OF SINN FEM
Later Became President,
Of The Dali
Eireann

| Belfast, April IL (By the Associated
Press Arthur Griffith, president o.
the Dali Eireann, died in Dublin to
day of influenza, it has been learned
in Belfast
Mr.. Griffith was i'll only ten days
and his illness was not considered Sc
rious. Yesterday, however, he suf-
fered sudden relapse and died early
this morning.
His death occurred at GAS o'clock
this morning in st. Vincent's hospital
Dublin, which he entered ten days ago
for an operation for tonsilitis. He was
recovering from the operation and ap-
parently was regaining his normal
strength during the last few days.
In fact Mr.. Griffith had responded
to his treatment so well that he was
able to leave the hospital daily for his
official duties returning TO the institu-
tion Mt night.
This morning he ate hearty break
fast and was going up stairs when he
suddenly collapsed. He was carried in
to his room and doctor was immedi-
ately summoned He said Mr.. Grit
tn was suffering from cerebral hem
orrhage. A priest was then sent for,
and he had just finished administer
ing the last rites Of the church when
Mr.. Griffith expired.
The death Of Arthur Griffith, com
ing with such startling suddenness,
marks the passing of one Of the FORE
most figures in modern Ireland. He
was one Of the most conspicuous lead
ers in the creation Of the new Irish
free state.
He was one Of the founders Of the
Sinn Fein movement in Ireland and
from the beginning has been among
the foremost leaders directing its ac-
tivities.
Mr.. Griffith formerly was an editor
Of Dublin, and later established the
United Irishmcn, followed
by the Sinn Fein, and then the Ma
He first attracted attention by his
attitude for sbsten-
tion by Irish members from attend
Hnce of the sessions of the British
Parliament at Westminster. This idea
formed the nucleus of the
Sim Fein organization, which took tie
place of the Irish Nationalist move
ment.
In October, 1917, Griffith was elect
ID presiding officer for the opening of
he Sim Fein conference in Dublin. He
ster was nominated as Sinn Fein dele
rate from East Cavan.
In July, 1919. Griffith was elected |
Icting president Of the Irish national |
assembly in the absence Of Eamon De |
Valera. who was in the United States. |
N October of the same year he was
'lected one Of the permanent vice
presidents of the Sim Fein organi-
alton.
Griffith was arrested in Dublin in
November, 1920. and spent seven
months in Mount Joy prison.
The return Of Mr.. De Valera from
America was attributed to Griffith's
as Mr. DE Valera. upon /
lis return, resumed the active direc-
ion of Sim Fein affairs. Griffith was
eleased in June, 1921.
Griffith accompanied De Valera TO
,ondon in July. when the extended
cries of conferences were opened later,
ghen the conference shifted to differ
Mt points, Griffith was appointd
hartman Of the Sinn Fein mission. He
ras in London through October. No
ember and December. carrying on the
egotiations which eliminated on Dec
with the signing of the treaty be-
ween Great Britain and Ireland, and
e has since been approved by the
'ritish Parliament and the Dali
.ireann.