Evening star., 1932-04-08

! De Valera's attitude toward Ireland's
| acceptance of the oath of allegiance to
the British Empire Is the subject of
wide comment in America 1t is be-
heved, however, that there will be no
renewal of the bitter struggles of the
past. The possibility of trade difficult
| ties through operation of the tariff Is
considered strong factor, and the one
| most likely to receive attention from
the Free State Government.
The problems of Ireland" - according
to the New Orleans Morning Tribune,
have been so close to the people of the
United States for SO long, and the
people of the United States have been
such real friends to Ireland. that We
are alarmed at the possibility of the
new government of Ireland starting what
seems to us useless trouble. The great
war brought the English-speaking peo-
pie closer together. The United States
Great Britain and the British colonies
may be called on in the future to stand
together to save our type of civilization
and our institutions. The preponder-
ance of power among thece people has
swung from London to Washington. 1t
is to the interest Of the United States
that the British Empire should not be
weakened or destroyed"
Considering the effect of the British
tariff, the Providence Bulletin suggests
that 80 per cent Of Irish products GO
to England" aud that the latter has
'an economic weapon more powerful
and more insidious than the use of
troops and tanks" The Bulletin con-
cludes: "Realists in Ireland appreciate
that there is new mood in England,
new attitude toward the Free State.
They appreciate that the old slogans
and catchwords have long since lost
their meaning because of the new polit-
ical relationships among the dominions
and England. They appreciate that Ire
lands future prosperity is in closer CO.
operation with England and the domin-
ions than in continual beligerence.
Ireland deserves to have the peace that
she has SO long struggled for"
"It is to be hoped that some formula
can be adopted to satisfy the aspira-
tions of the Irish and yet not compel
England to wage war to keep the Emer-
aid Isle in the British commonwealth
of nations" says the Salt Lake Deseret
News, while the Appleton Post Crescent
comments: THE desire among many
Irish for complete independence, al
though they have independence in fact,
Is an aspiration easily understood, but
there are many Irish factions which do
not want it because they realize the
practical advantages OF their present
situation"
Whether peaceful means will con-
tinue to be found sufficient" states the
Hartford Times, will depend on fur
ther developments, but it is reasonable
to assume that so long as De Valera
appears to be proceeding toward his
obiectives by parliamentary stages, his
militant supporters will hold themselves
in check so far as means Of violence are
concerned Their being shouldered with
the responsibility of guiding the Free
State on its further course apparently
has had a wholesome, moderating ef-
feet on their aggressive spirits"
Barring the factor of force" con-
cludes the Nashville Banner, which 1t
Is not conceivable will be employed un-
der any circumstances, 1t remains to be
seen what agency shall be employed TO
adjust the basic differences Of opinion
between Great Britain and the Irish
Free State. The Commonwealth Court
seems the most feasible means of arbi-
tretion. The people of the Irish Free
State might hesitate to accept the YER
dict OF commonwealth court on the
ground that it would be seven-againSt-
one proposition. On the other hand
however, each one of the others would
constantly have in mind the fact that a
similcr case of its own might eventually
come up for settlement in the same sort
of court"
Allegiance to the British Crown"
thinks the st. Joseph Gazette, docs not
appear to be much of an issue in a time
OF world distress, nor has it limited the
individual freedom of the Irish nor had
effect in producing their budget difiicul-
ties. Colonial Americas oath Of allegi-
ance to GeofKe III did not hrtng on