The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1926-05-04
Aiken, General
of Irish Army,
Talks at Rally
Continued from Page u

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Irish people would vote to establish
an independent Irish Republic in the
thirty-two counties Of Ireland. The
Free State government does not re.
present the Irish nation. 1t is a tool
Of Great Britain and is not recognized
by true Irishmen."
Joseph ODaugherty, member of the
Irish republican parliament from
county Donegal who is accompanying
General Aiken on his American tour,
explained the recent differences that
have occurred in the republican ranks.
There has been a rift between follow
ers of cannon De Valera, president of
the Irish Republic and supporters of
Mary MacSweeney. At The recent con-
vention-The Ardeish-&of the repub-
licans, De Valera's policy of entering
the Free State parliament and over
throwing it from the Inside without
taking an oath of allegiance to the
King, was defeated.
De Valera then resigned as chair
man of the republican political organ
ization and has founded ia new move
,ment called the Sons of Destiny. Those
opposed to De Valera's policy refuse to
recognize the Free State parliament or
participate in any but the Irish Repub-
lican government. MI. O'Daugherty
said, however, that he and General
Aiken are not committing themselves
ON this side the water to either of the
republican factions. Each has a posi-
tion but considers it unwise to divulge
it here where united support is being
given to the republican movement as
whole. The republicans of both fac
tons are in agreement on refusing to
take the Free State oath and on driv-
ing the British flag from Ireland and
when the test comes will pull together.
$4,000 Collection.
The meeting was arranged under the
auspices of the Illinois section of the
American Association for the recogni-
ton of the Irish Republic. A collection
of pledges and cash for the republican
cause amounted to more than six
thousand dollars and will be sent to
Ireland to aid the fight of all repub-
lican forces.
In an interview with The DAILY
WORKER after the meeting, General
Aiken was asked about the relations
between the labor movement in
Ireland and the republican cause. He
said that a large majority of repub-
IicSn supporters were workers and
that the rank and file of the unions in
Ireland are fighters for the republic.
conneIIy's Path.
"At the time, however" said the
general "of the Free State treaty with
England, the leaders of the Irish labor
movement were actuated more by
looking after the economic security of
their followers than anything else.
This caused them to sway from the
path laid down for the labor movement
by it's great leader James Connolly and
caused dissatisfaction among the rank
and file. The workers still believe in
Connolly and can be depended upon to
fight for the republic when the show
down comes"
Army Is Strong.
When asked about the republican
army, General Aiken said, 1.-THE army,
of course, is illegal, anyone known to
be connected with it is liable to severe
punishment under the treason act, but
it is there and it is strong. l cannot
divulge any figures but l can say the
it is strong enough to challenge the
power of England when the time
comes. We are not hoping for another
civil war. But we are ready to defend
the sovereignty of the, Irish republic"
From Chicago, General Aiken and
Mr.. ODaugherty are proceeding to St.
Paul, st. Louis and other points to
speak at Irish republican rallies and
collect funds for the republican move