The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-25
IRISH ELECTION
 D|SPELSFEARO OF
 INCREASED STRIFE
Gardiner Discounts Assassi- nation of Wilson as an Aug ury of Further Turmoil and
 Predicts Settled Course
Ky A, G. GARDINER

Great Britain's Great LibernIist.) Special Correspondent of The Herald
 Copyright, 1922, by The Age-Herald)
 London, June 24.--American
 public sentiment should not be
 misled by the terrible events in
 London this weekend. What the
 result of the assassination will
 be I cannot say, but it Is impor-
 tnnt to understand that the great
 majority of the Irish people de-
 pIOre murder and desire peace.
 do not wish to exagserate tho
 important result of the Irish
 election. There nre difficult
 waters to navigate. made even
 more difficult by this terrible
 crime, hut the most perilous pO-
 sition has been safely negotiated.
 Whatever the dangers to he
 faced the result of the election
 emphatically makes clear that
 the people themselves desire
 peace and are prepared to accept
 the treaty.
 Never have l doubted that this was their feeling. The common interests of the two countries are so great that, given self government and with Dcublin Castel rule removed, hostili- ties are bound to disappear and a sensible working agreement develop. The irreconcilab in both countries are small in number.
 Treaty and Order Win
 The real question in the election was not whether the supporters Of peace were in the majority but the advocates of terrorism would over-awe them, indeed, whether elections could be conducted at all. The result has been decisive on this point. It was not merely a striking victory for the treaty. but a striking victory for the influences of order.
 The people voted seriously and no case of violent interferences was ex- perienced. The argument of force received a crushing blow. The elec- tors missed hardly an opportunity to reject the advocates or violence.
 The overwh elming defeat of Mel lows. secretary of the four courts and an army executive must be considered significant. He was at the bottom of the poll In Galway. The Dublin verdict was smashing blow to force. Another remarkable feature was the success of labor which, though pro-treaty, is inter- national rather than national in its beliefs.
 VIII Arms or Votes winf
 The result of the election produced , feeling of relief in England. But l repeat, we cannot exaggrate 1t importance. It is good so far as 1t goes. but the minority, routed at tho polls still is dangerous and desper- ate. It will resist to the last ex- It will hold the four courts oy violence. The question Is whether the threat of power Is at the four courts or in the chamber of deputies. Whether arms or votes will decide he fate of Ireland. The militaristic section of the irreconcilables favor the establishment of military dic- The question now Is whether the smashing result of the election will lead them to attempt a coup d'etat to overthrow the gov .rnment and set up military rule, or will moderate them by showing ths powerful tide of public opinion. It s hard to say. Personally, the in- .ensity of passion that has prevailed, [ anticipate a challenge of force. The present situation cannot continue. II parliamentary government is to con inue the courts of justice cannot be eft in the control of an armed power hostile to the government.
 Watching Dexnern
 Whether Deva1era will attempt ,oup or will control his frreconcilar sles Is a cause of grave anxiety here. If the chamber of deputies can hold ts ground against the preachers or the prospects, will be hope 'ul. Ireland having accepted the principles of the consti- .ution by a huge majority the de- aiIs should be possible of arrange ment. bupt If the treaty is to be fought out on the streets of Dub lin by an armed minority overriding he constitutional declaration of the people 1t is difficult to forecast the This danger Is in- .reased by the attitude of Belfast. where the Orangemen would well come the triumph of physical force IS compelling England to essay the of Ireland. powerful put small group of firebrands in England are working ceaseiessly to he same end. Thus there Is a devils circle of evil influences. The wild men of the Free State play into the lands of the wild men of Ulster and hey into the hands of the wild men ,f England Meanwhile the decent, aw-abid.ng mass of sensible people n the countrys want to be at peace.
 The key of the situation Is Dublin. Can the chamber defind it's constitu- tional idea and rule of the majority? Events soon will show.