Great Falls tribune., 1922-01-11
Situation Clarifying.

penalty prisoners number abo
Situation Clarifying.
When the Dali Eireann adjourned to
February IA. the situation which Mon
day night was dangerous and obscure
had been largely clarified. The new
president, Arthur Griffith, and a new
cabinet, had been elected and the way
had been smoothed to putting the
treaty into effect.
Immense relief is felt here at the
turn of events.
Temporary withdrawal of Eamonn de
Valera and his supporters from the dali
proved not to involve permanent split.
De Valera confined his protest to the
election of a new president, declaring
his unwillingness to recognize the suit
ability to that post of man, who, as
chairman of the London delegation.
was bound to give effect to the treaty.
which, according to De Valera, subyerts
the republic.
Extremists Were for Staying Out
During the luncheon recess, De Val
era and his associates. who left the
hall, held a private meeting. Some of
the more ardent spirits advocated re-
fusal to return. but moderate counsels
prevailed and the dali reassembled as
a united body.
The De Valera party met again
Tuesday night to formulate plans. and
it was made evident by the numerous
speeches from De Valera what those
plans are likely to be. He holds that
the dail's decision for the treaty binds
him and his adherents not to obstruct
the new government IN carrying out the
treaty. but he reserves the right of
free criticism. should Mr.. Griffith. as
chairman of the provisional govern
nent, do anything Inconsistent with the
rights of the people or the existence
If the republic.
Griffith Recognizes Transition
He also expressed the conviction
hat English hostility may have To be
aced. There is still intense suspicion
IN both sides of the dali of the good
aith of the British ministry. De Val
IRA was clear in his assurances of the
ull support of his party in resisting
III attack from an outside enemy.
Mr.. Griffith was repeatedly pressed
" De Valera to define his position,
which De Valera described as new
ase of DR.. Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde. Mr..
Griffith was challenged to define his
lttitude toward the republic. and it
was supposed that he would
ave difficulty in reconciling his posi-
ion as president with the position of
hartman of the provisional govern
aent.
Mr. Griffith. however. frankly recog-
lized during the transition period the
Existence of the republic. which he
undertook TO maintain. but he said
rhen the free state was framed there
must be a general election so that the
'eopIe could choose between the free |
tate and the republic.
Hot Reply From Nagged President
De Nalera's attitude toward Mr. |
'riffith was considerate and respectful !
nd Mr.. Griffith expressed his cordial
!
Some of the De Valera supporters
otably Erskine Childers, were anxious |
0 press on Mr.. Griffith questions re-
arding his future actions which were
bviously intended to embarrass him.
lie finally lost his temper. declaring
G would answer no questions of ANY |
ahmed Englishman.'' This was the
rst display of real heat by any leader
lis friends accounted for it by the fact.
J Mr.. Griffith himself said later. that
e had been engaged for many months
| continuous and arduous public work
/ London and Dublin and must now
ssume responsibility for the new gov
which would tax his strength
viii Keep Army Intact
The irreconcilables sought to oppose
1journment on the ground that mean
lille expenditures could not constitu-
onally be incurred without the dairs
pproval. Mr.. Collins assured the
embers that no expenditure was in
,lved except the ordinary weekly
ages of the department officials.
Mr.. Griffith requested adjournment
but on appeal by Mr.. De
alera. consented to February IA,
Mr.. De Valera. however. arose again
ask regarding the position of the
my. Richard Mulcahy. new minister
defense, announced that it would be
s policy to keep the army intact De
alera said an order to the army
lould be given in the name Of the
ganized republic. The minister re-
led that the army would continue as
e army of tbs republic.
Labor Knocks at Door
After luncheon, the dali was brought
ce to facA with an urgent practical
after py deputation from the Irish