THE Temuka Leader TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1922. IRELAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10282, 10 January 1922, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1922. IRELAND.

Tli.e year thus far has, if we are to believe the cables, made one forward step towards the Great Reconciliation between Ireland and England. It is reported that the Treaty as arranged between the plenipotentiaries of the Dad Eireann on the one hand and similar parties representing the British Government on the other has been ratified by the Dail Eireann hy a majority of seven. Whether 'this small majority augurs weal or tvoe for Ireland, it is too early for ns to say. The Irish, like the Scots, are to some extent fatalists and “They maun dree their weird." The unfortunate point is that during that process the point of contact between Ireland and -Britain is very much apt to be misunderstood, and the 'misunderstanding may take the form’ which it has done during the last year and which ills taking now in Belfast —a process <>f argument by which the final “count out’’ is given for reasons that arc not quite clear to ordinary reasonable beings. W e are pleased, and more than pleased, that the Treaty has been continued, hut if I)e Valera’s words are to be taken literally, “Just so surely as this Treaty goes through there will he rebels in Ireland," and that by infplieation he mav be one' of them and ;•

leader of them, thou it may be that the ratification of the Treaty will not bring that long-wished peace for which we hoped. It is too early yet to say more than that a majority of Irish patriots seem to be satisfied with the Treaty. If the sweet spirit of reasonableness had had fuller sway, and the ratification of the Treaty had been carried by a bigger majority, the omens would have been more propitious. -The situation in Ireland is complicated enough with Lister —or part of it—outside the L'uion. lo placidly contemplate the consequences of Dail Eireann divided so evenly as it has been. Polemics are clear to the Irish soul. Let us hope tJuil a Her this tim'd limit—if it is the iiutd—they will give Ihe new arrangement a fair and honest trial. /The ratification of the Treaty by the British Parliament has 3 r et to lake place, hut that may be taken for granted.