Part 32 (1/2)

This voice that has been crying in Ireland, this voice for home rule, is a voice which is now supported by the opinion of the world; this inized in the British Constitution It hts, men's emotions, and men's inveterate and traditional principles, but it oing to be done, that will look with hope to the programme that may come out of these conferences

If those who conduct the Government of Great Britain are not careful the restlessness will spread with rapid agitation until the whole country is aflaovernment

In this speech he plainly indicated that his plan for the settlement of the Irish question was the establishht be brought, where the full force of the public opinion of the world, including the United States, could be brought to play in a vigorous and whole-hearted insistence upon a solution of this world- disturbing question

As we read the daily papers, containing accounts of the disturbances in Ireland, what a prophetic vision underlay the declaration contained in the speech of Woodrow Wilson in 1910!

If those who conduct the Government of Great Britain are not careful the restlessness will spread with rapid agitation until the whole country is aflaovernment

I recall his passionate resentment of the attitude and threats of Sir Edward Carson, leader of the Unionist forces in the British Parlia statement of Carson carried in the Ah the House of Lords: ”In the event of this proposed parliae ourselves not to recognize its authority I do not care two pence whether this is treason or not”

Discussing Carson's utterance the President said: ”I would like to be in Mr Asquith's place I would show this rebel whether he would recognize the authority of the Governed for treason If Asquith does not call this gentleion of unrest and rebellion in Ireland will spread until only a entlemen of this kind who openly advocate revolution will only add to the difficulties If those in authority in England will only act firmly now, their difficulties will be lessened A little of the fire of Andrew Jackson would force a settleht now”

The President did not agree with the friends of Irish freedoh the instru When he left for the other side to take part in the Peace Conference, the future of Ireland was hts, but his solution of the probleue of Nations before which not only the cause of Ireland but the cause of any oppressed people ment of round of the President's thoughts and he welcomed conversations with those ere in a position to offer helpful suggestions I append a correspondence, intimate in character and now for the first time ”exposed to the public view,” between the President, Mr Sidney Brooks, a noted English writer, and myself:

Friday, April 20, 1917

DEAR MR PRESIDENT:

After several , I need not say, in a very happy mood and with the consciousness that the relations between our two countries are at length set fair There is nothing nearer tothem, and I believe I see how they could be ireat obstacle to their betterment--I mean, of course, Ireland--could be lessened, if not re before you some views I have formed on the matter, if an opportunity could be found before the arrival of the British Coton on Sunday and sail for England on the following Saturday, but not, I trust, without being able to pay you my respects and say my adieux in person

Believe me, dear Mr President,

Yours very sincerely, SIDNEY BROOKS

THE PRESIDENT, The White House

In forwarding this letter to the President, I acco note:

THE WHITE HOUSE WAshi+NGTON

April 20, 1917

DEAR GOVERNOR:

I just had a little talk with Sidney Brooks who says he has been in correspondence with Lloyd George and Lord Northcliffe with reference to the Home Rule question He believes that just a little push by you in your private talk with Mr Balfour would put over ho home to Balfour the amount of American public senti to the disadvantage of England in this country, it would reat ireat and generous cooperation between England and this country; but that there will never be genuine cooperation between the people of Aland until the Irish question is settled

Sincerely yours, TUMULTY

The President replied tonote:

DEAR TUMULTY:

Confidentially (for I beg that you will be careful not to speak of or intis about this which I hope may bear fruit