Although a modification of the Oath has for the time
being been thrust out of practical politics by Mr. De Valera's failure and by the strong declarations of loyalty made on Tuesday by Mr. Johnson, the leader of the Labour Party, and by Captain Redmond, it is as well to say something on this subject lest it should crop up again. We admit that as the Oath, on his own con- fession, means nothing whatever to Mr. De Valera, it might seem a matter of small moment what form it should take. A Republican frankly declaring himself an enemy of the Empire might even be an easier customer to deal with than one who sheltered himself under a form to which he acknowledged no obligation. Why not then tolerate any change that would bring peace ? That, however, is not the real point, though it seems to be so to some Labour and Liberal commentators in this country. The real point is that the words embody- ing the Oath satisfied all parties to the Treaty in circum- stances in which no other formula could conceivably have done so.
