The New York herald., 1922-04-16


separatist aims General Botha did not
hesitate to go to war with his old COM
rades rather than go back on his OATH
IN the present case England has given
every possible proof Of her sincere de-
sire to have a lasting settlement, even
to the extent of seeming to abandon
many people loyal to the British con-
nection The speeches Of British Min
listers have been full of the loftiest SEN
timents. and they have surpassed all
records In the speed with which they
have handed over all the departments
OF Government. But though the chief
hitherto given no sign that they will
break it in the letter. they have so far
missed the secret Of its purpose.
Mr.. Collins's chief anxiety is to prove
that they have got rid OF the English.
'"rhe British game Is up.'' was phrase
in one Of his latest speeches. and aptly
sums up his whole altitude. If material
advantages are the chief things to be
stressed to a people presumed to be
idealistic, the agreement as signed gave
the Irish people far greater advantages
than any they could have secured by
a republic; but there Is often little to
choose in spirit between republican and
pro-treaty utterances.
The first four clauses OF the treaty
receive little attention, and yet they are
vital to its success, and citizenship In"
and membership Of the British Com
monwealth Of Nations demand the full
filing of obligations as we'll as the proc
lamation OF rights. If the implications
Of British citizenship were better under
stood there would be no talk Of frontiers
in connection with the boundary clauses
Of Clause XII. Within the British EN-
pire there are no frontiers. and each
Of the three chief dominions has settled
the question Of inclusion or otherwise Of
reluctant provinces or states, not by
coercion or boycott but by methods Of
reason. Thus the opposition of New
South Wales was q chief obstacle to the
formation OF the Commonwealth of Aus
tralia. Time overcame 1t. In Canada
Prince Edward Island did not wish to
join the Dominion at first After six
years 1t came In of its own accord. 1t
might be to the advantage OF the Union
Of South Africa IL Rhodesa Joined, but
there is no talk Of forcible measures.
In 1914 Ulster made the great mistake
Of her history In not realizing that Mr..
Redmond had made the Empires cause
his own and was now an ally. There
Will be no doubts about friendly rela-
tions with Ulster II Mr.. Griffith and Mr..
Collins decide to take their stand on the
first four clauses Of the treaty. Difficult
ties there may be, but in ireland there
is no place for leaders who do not give
a clear lead.
They must soon make their choice
between the treaty, both in the letter
and in the spirit, and keeping the ap-
pearance OF friendly relations with the
irrecbncilables. If they keep to what
they have signed and at all costs, they
will have the support not merely Of
Great Britain and Of tho whole Empire
but of Ulster as we'll. If they choose
alliance with the republicans they will
soon be driven out Of public life and the
old weary hatred and strife will go on
poisoning every relation Of life.
On the other hand. all that is best in
Irish life will follow them II they can
rise as tho Boer leaders rose to the
heights OF a great occasion and lift the
whole matter beyond the petty disputes
OF Irish factions. If they go down IN
the effort they will at least go down
with colors flying And their country as
far as they are concerned will be spares
the disgrace Of the worlds verdict that
when it's representatives were offered
and accepted a full and free partnership
in an empire built In part by Irish ex-
ertions they failed for want OF moral
courage and breadth OF view to insist on
its ratification.