THE LITTLE NATIONS.

New Zealand Tablet, 29 May 1919, Page 23

THE LITTLE NATIONS.

The fortunes of war have transformed a noted pianist into the Premier of the ancient Polish nation i(says th Catholic Bulletin, of St: Paul, U.S.A.). As Ignace Jan Paderewski, the new Premier of Poland, took his place, an officer of his staff, according to the report, exclaimed God save Poland !” ' - The Prime Minister went to his desk, saying:—“One thing comforts xxxe. T It is that I have 95 per cent, of the people with me. Perhaps the other 5 per cent, will make trouble. In any case, we are only beginning.” This modest scene, this simple, ceremony marks the ibegiimixxg of a new era for one of the smaller nations. ‘The war was fought that all peoples, lax-ge and small, might enjoy the benefit of a direct voice in their own ■government. The Czecho-Slovaks also have formed an independent nation, and this independence has been recognised by the United States. Thus gradually the principles that dominated the part which this country took in the war are going to be applied to the smaller nations. Whenever a people gives proof. or just promise of its ability to guide itself aright, this principle of self-determination should be applied. That it will be so applied appears to be a growing conviction as the work of the Peace Conference progresses. .. ' The question still arises. Will, this principle}of a free people hold good for Ireland ? There is no doubt that Ireland, like Poland, has ever by protest and Varied activities maintained the right to govern herself. As to the ability of her people, it were useless to argue. For it is a well-known fact that in every part of the world where Irishmen have settled they have demons strated without a doubt their capacity for government. Scarcely a country is there where the Irish will not be found in positions where energy', cleverness, and unusual ability are required England herself 7 has -on many occasions, both at . home . and throughout her colonial Empire, profited by the talents and' the genius of her Irish subjects. It cannot,7 therefore, with truth be said . that Ireland ~is incapable of self-government. When a man. gives certaip ’ proof 7of his talents and ■ability, it is folly to chain him down to a condition of impotency, and , then accuse him of lack of . talent. ILTBelgium must be free, why not also Ireland ?, /