31 DECEMBER 1921, Page 2

The postponement of the debate on the Treaty in Dail

Eireann seems to be for the best. During the Christmas holidays strong opinions have been expressed all over Sinn Fein Ireland in favour of ratification. The Clare County Council, in Mr. De Valera's own constituency, has demanded the acceptance of the Treaty. A special correspondent of the Timm wrote in Tuesday's paper that a working man in Caere had said to him : " I don't know what Mr. De Valera means by his speeches, but if he came down here for re-election and even I stood up for the Treaty I should be elected." The Clare Champion, which the correspondent thinks expresses the view of the vast majority, says: " To throw away such terms without being able to demonstrate how better can be obtained could hardly be called statesmanship."