So far as this goes it would not be impossible to find a settlement to the relief of both the Free State land the British Governments, neither of which desire trouble." The feeling of scepticism in the Free [State has caused many to doubt if what are regarded ax legitimate claims are likely to be realized to the full. On the other hand, the authority of the Conservative Gov-jemment of Great Britain in Northern Ireland will be sufficient to cause the peaceful transfer of more territory than the Northern Government would otherwise consent to have taken from it. For these reasons a middle road could be found, both sides in Ireland protesting vigorously boundary line drawn mission, yet accepting the conclusion fod or ill grace.
when we come to consider details of such a settlement the rocks along the road are Let me take the two most leonspicious of these rocks, in order to illustrate the nature of the Let anyone look at the map of Ireland, and it will be seen that it is not easy to suggest a transfer of territory that docs not cause the removal, from Northern Ireland to the Free State, of one or both of the two cities of Enniskillen or Londonderry, Enniskillen lies the centre of nationalist territority, in which, nevertheless a strong Orange minority reside. Enniskillen itself has a nationalist majority, that has led to the demand for the setting up of the Boundary Commission.
The Trouble in Londonderry 'The case of Londonderry is yet more dificult. 'The map will show that. it lies "stowed away in. the' North East corner of Derry County, of which it is the capital town, Ite fconomie association with ' the feounty, of which it is the capital, {is small. Its real economic associa tion is with the County of Donegal. It is, in fact, the only natural port for "the northern port of that! county; and the northern part of that county is its natural hinterland, "with which its merchants trade. "To divide County Donegal Jand Derry City by a custom barrier (as at present) is to sunda favo parts of one entity with injury to both. If that division were to be enforced, the Free State might find. itself compelled artifcally te Jereste another port for North Donegal, in which case the trade of Derry City would be ruined. More-lover the majority of the inhabit. fants of the City are Nationaltet, fand so according to the Treaty. should be entitled to carry the City into the Free Sta Both these cities, however, are from the point of view of the Orangeman, more than accumula tions of houses and people, of trade Jand business and' idleness and gossip. They-ere battle standards, handed down from their ancestors, They are names to conjure with, the sound of which yield back an hundred revelled answers of the blood. "True very few of those who jatiswer to their associations have 4 very cla' ldéa"of the history th which they appeal—it is. reported that there are some who put that history back into the authority of Holy Writ! The actual dates, at the end of the 17th century, when. the "boys" of Enniskillen sent out their forees against the revolting people of the country, or kept them fat home to maintain stubborn defence, are not precisely known, out side a few folk pedantiealy given to historical study. But "Btini Jen" and "Derry City" remain Dbattle-standards from that dates and the thought of parting with those standards—with either" both of them—puts madness. into the blood and makes the eye to What then/is to be: done? The inhabitants, whose "wishes" are given statutory authority by inter [national 'Treaty naturally expect observance of that 'Treaty, But Chat means porting with' their fchiet "battle "standards by the hosts rallied against them. And between them the Boundary Com: rissian is set for judgment. Little wonder that there is indecision and hesitation mingled with fears as to What the outcome will be.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.