The New York herald., 1922-02-23

Special Gable TO THE NEW YORK HnRALp.
Copyright, 1879. BY THE NEW YohK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau
Dublin. Feb. 22.
An agreement was reached over
night between the rival leaders of
Sim Fein that the Ard Fheis, the ma
tional Sim Fein convention, adjourn
for three months, during which period
no election should be held nor any
obstruction in the Dali Eireann to
the functioning of the Provisional
Government should be made by the De
Valera party. thus preventing a split
in the all powerful Irish organization.
This agreement was adopted unani-
mously to-day by the convention.
The Republicans were faced by the
probability Of losing the election; the
Free Staters were faced by the i'm
possibility of administering the coun-
try against such powerful opposition;
both were faced by the fact that a split
in Sim Fein ranks would strengthen
neither, weaken both, and make Ire
land liable to internal warfare. They
compromised for the sake Of unity.
Specifically, the object of the agree
ment was to prevent a split in Sim
Fein. Eamon de Valera, possibly. be-
lieved he would be able to make a
stronger fight against the Free States
constitution, which must be produced
in Sits final form before the election;
but this motive is doubtful, as really
it seems he strove sincerely for the
we'll being OF Ireland. Arthur Griffith,
President of the Dali, and Michael
Collins, head Of the provisional Gov
ernment, while obviously desiring to
promote peace at home with the least
possible obstruction, nevertheless felt
that while a mandate was desirable
now, they still could consolidate their
position in the interval.
Cannot Hinder Government.
|. The present position. therefore. is:
The Dali will continue fully to It's con-
clusion, but no votes are to be re-
garded as party votes, which. if adj
verse, would necessitate the resigna ton
OF the Cabinet; and no election will be
held for three months nor thereafter
until the constitution Is ready for pres
entation with the treaty. Parties may
continue to express fair criticism, but
according to the spirit of the agreement
they cannot hinder the normal func-
tons of the provisional Government.
The seed of this agreement was
planted a couple of months ago when
Father Gaynor, one of the chief spon-
col Of he MI ipfr
q resolution intended to delay the Ard
Fheis decision. The Seeding took root
and the plant grew rapidly in the last
few days In conferences due to the ef
forts of Joseph McGarrity OF Philadel-
phia and had matured by the time Mr.
Collins started speaking yesterday after
noon. 1t bloomed In the overnight
meetings between the leaders.
When after two hours delay to-day
De Valera. Griffith and Collins arrived
at the convention hall, De Valera apol-
ogizing for the delay, said: But we've
produced something at the end. There
are certain articles of agreement"
At this the convention exploded. The
representatives from Sim Fein councils
all over Ireland rose to their feet,
cheered. stamped and applauded. A few
persons who, despite the continuous ap-
plause, put queries and insisted upon
being seen IL not heard, asking ques-
tions OF doubtful relevancy. apparently
sought to embarrass the leaders; but
good sense triumphed and there was a
second explosion when Mr.. Collins said
MY Interpretation is the same as Pres
ident De Valera's." Whereupon De
Valera said. I'VE have entered into al
agreement that will suspend action for
three months. and there will not be an
election for the time being"