(Established 1898). The Waimate Advertiser. (Published every evening since 1914). THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1922 IS IT PEACE?

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXI, 12 January 1922, Page 4

(Established 1898). The Waimate Advertiser. (Published every evening since 1914). THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1922 IS IT PEACE?

Though the Irish Treaty has been ratified by the Dail Eireann, still the outlook r emains somewhat clouded, and it might be premature to indulge in acclamations of jubilant enthusiasm. It is only too. obvious that some serious obstacles have yet to be overcome before a thoroughly satisfactory settlement of the agelong problem is an accomplished fact. The majority which favoured ratification was small, though happily there is good reason to believe that the narrownes of the ma r gin does not accurately represent the desires of the populace. The minority contains dangerous elements of

a frankly uncompromising character, and some of the irreconcilables are al r eady talking of rebellion. It is difficult to avoid the suspicion that these malcontents would never be happy except as rebels, even under the Irish Republic. Still more disquieting is the attitude adopted by many who have not supported the Treaty. They candidly admit that they do not regard it as a final settlement —thus implying that they will not scruple to continue pressing the extreme republican demands. These various considerations do not encourage enthusiasm at the present moment; still, we have no wish to take a pessimistic view of th e situation. The mere fact of the ratification is a great point gained, and it is posible that public opinion in Ireland will express itself with such overwhelming force as to show the extremists the hoplessness of further opposition. We cannot help thinking that it would be a very good thing fo r Ireland if Mr De Valera were to carry out his threat of retiring into private life. If he were to be accompanied by a few other “stormy petrels,” so much the better. It is devoutly to be hoped that all will go well, and that even Ulster may join the new a r rangement at no distant date, and make the principle of United Ireland a fully achieved consummation. It is possiole to understand and sympathise to say that Ulste r had been deserting them; but it is obviously unjust to say tat Ulster has been deserted or betrayed by the British Government. She is not to be coerced; he r power of maintaining her separate independence as a legislative entity is secured to her; though it is to be hoped that she will see her way to join up. Public opinion in Belfast may be “dour, suspicious, and fearful” just now; but calm consideration may yet lead to the development of a. co-operative spirit.