DAIL AND TREATY.

APPEAL BY MICHAEL COLLINS.

Sinn Fein’s split over the Treaty is a tremendous cleavage, and instead of peace coming to Ireland the country will probably again go through a period of acute political strife. To-day’s debate in Dail Eireann leaves that unpleasant impression behind it, and we may have worse to come. The Republican die-hards are going full steam ahead to wreck the Treaty, with Mr. Éamon de Valera in the van.

The styles of the leaders of the two sections are as different as possible. Behind Arthur Griffith’s clear-cut phrases and earnest pleading that the Treaty meant real peace there was none of the fierce fanaticism, the hatred of England, the sneers at the Monarch, found throughout Mr. De Valera’s speech. Mr. Griffith said early in his half-hour’s speech that 95 per cent. of the Irish people were for ratification. Mr. De Valera either could not or would not controvert that confident opinion.

Not Mr. Collins, but an equally respected officer of the I.R.A. was entrusted with the duty of seconding the ratification motion. This was Commandant Sean Mckeon, the Ballinalee blacksmith, who became an idol of the army because of a chivalrous act which saved the lives of some fighting opponents. He spoke in the direct form of the man of action, and accepted the Treaty as giving Ireland what he and his comrades fought for. Mr. De Valera followed, and asked for rejection because the Treaty would not bring peace. Mr. Collins stated his case fearlessly and well, and the honour of the delegates was safe in his hands. Mr. Erskine Childers, though he disagreed with everything Mr. Collins said, described the speech as manly, eloquent, and worthy of the man.

To-morrow may bring forth further strong incidents, especially if we get to the alternative proposals of Mr. De Valera.