Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-06-25
BY A. G. GARDINER
Britain's Greatest Liberal Editor
Special Cable to The Great Falls Tribune.

Special Cable to The Great Falls Tribune.
Copyright. 1922. BY The Great Falls Tribune.
London, June 24.-American public
sentiment should not be misled by the
terrible events in London this week
end. What the result of the assas-
sination will be / cannot say but it is
important to understand that the great
majority of the people deplore murder
and desire peace.
I do not wish to ~exaggerate the i'm
portant result of the Irish election.
There still are difficult waters to nav
igate, made even more difficult by this
terrible crime. but the most perilous
position has been safely negotiated.
Whatever the dangers to be faced, the
result of the election emphatically
makes clear that the people themselves
desire peace and are prepared to accept
the treaty.
Never have I doubted that this was
their feeling. The common interests OF
the two countries are so great that.
given self government and with Dub
lin castle rule removed, hOstllities are
bound to disappear and a sensible work
ing agreement develop. The irrecon-
cilables in both countries are small in
number.
The real question in the election was
not whether the supporters of peace
were in the majority but whether the
advocates of terrorism would overawe
them; indeed, whether elections could
be conducted at all. The result has
been decisive on this point. 1t was
not merely a striking victory for the
treaty but a striking victory for the
Influences of order. The people voted
freely and no serious case of violent
interference was experienced. Inc
argument Of force received a crushing
blow. The electors missed hardly an
opportunity to reject the advocates of
violence.
Defeat of MeIIows
The overwhelming defeat of Mellows,
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 YER
dict was a smashing blow to physical
force.
The result of the election produced
n feeling of relief in England. But ]
repeat. we cannot exaggerate the i'm
portance. 1t is good so far as it goes
but the minority. routed at the polls.
still is dangerous and desperate. 1t
will hold the four courts by violence.
The question is whether the seat of
power is at the four courts or in the
chamber Of deputies: whether arms or
votes will decide the fate of Ireland.
The militaristic or the irreconcilables
favor the establishment Of military die
tatorship. The question now is wheth-
er the smashing result of the election
Twill lead them to attempt q coupe de
etat to overthrow the government and
set up military rule or will moderate
411 f,yt tiI4 - !
public opinion. IT is hard to say. Per
s~onally. in view of the intensity Of the
passion that has prevailed | anticipate
q challenge of force. The present sit
uation cannot continue. If parliament
ary governm mi is to continue, the
courts of Justice ann be left in the
control of an armed power hostile to
the government.
DeVaiera's Next Move
Whether DeValera will attempt a
coup or will control his irreconcilables !
Is a cause of great anxiety here. IF
the chamber of deputies can hold its
ground against the preachers of vio-
lence the prospects will be hopeful.
Ireland having accepted the funda-
mental principles of the constitution by
a huge majority. the details should be
possible of arrangement, but if the
treaty is to be fought out on the streets
of Dublin by an armed minority over
riding the constitutional declaration of
the people it is difficult to forecast the
consequence. This danger is increased
by the attitude of Belfast. where the
Orangemen would welcome the triumph
of the physical force as compelling
England again to essay the r%econauest
of Ireland. \ powerful but small group
of firebrands in England is working
ceaselessly to the same end. Thus is
formed a devils circle of evil influ-
ences. The wild men of the free state
play into the hands of the wild men of
Ulster and they into the hands of the
wild men of England. Meanwhile the
decent, law abiding masses of sensible
people in both countries want trade
and IN be at peace.
The key of the situation is Dublin.
Can the chamber defend its constitu-
tional idea and the rule of the major
fly! Even this soon will show.