COOLING THE IRISH STEW

The signing of the Irish Peace agreement marks the end of a second period of terrorism and guerilla warfare which has not only brought little credit to Ireland but has even cast grave doubts on her ability to govern herself under the Irish Free State. Like the treaty between England and Sinn Fein this settlement was signed quite suddenly at a crisis of Irish affairs. Since the speeches of Collins and De Valera, in a sort of Lincoln-Douglas series, early in March, conditions have grown steadily worse, particularly in Limerick and about Belfast, until finally they assumed almost the dimensions of a reign of terror, during which the Extremists and the Ulsterites rapidly extended their influence at the expense of the Dail Eireann forces.

The agreement, however, completely changes the situation. According to its terms the Provisional Government and Ulster will cooperate throughout the troubled countries for the suppression of violence, the protection of the Roman Catholics, and the restoration of those who have been drawn from their homes. To accomplish this all special police are to be withdrawn, the republican army is to be disbanded, and in place of these organizations there is to be a regularly organized and uniformed body of police composed equally of Protestants and Roman Catholics. Such an agreement is a distinct victory for the Free Staters and is sure to strengthen them in the face of the extremist elements.

The only question which remains is how far these extremists will go in direct opposition to the Provisional Government. The chief danger lies in the Republican army which has been active throughout the six countries. By failing to disband in accordance with the agreement the republicans will place themselves in direct conflict with the Dail Eireann. The situation has been steadily approaching such a conflict for some time and it is likely that the agreement will precipitate the struggle.

But now, however, there can be no question about the rights of the Republicans. By its agreement with Ulster, the Dail Eireann has put itself on a firm basis and stands for law and order. Hereafter any one who makes trouble is in the same position as a criminal in any country, and the extremists should be treated accordingly. But there is still a possibility that they will refrain from further outbreaks or at least will keep within the limits set by New York--not more than one or two murders a day.