A particularly interesting point in the statement is that which
deals with the reports of an attempt between certain sections of the irregulars and of the Free State forces to come together and patch up a truce. Mr. Collins, we are glad to say, will have nothing to do with such a movement. He says there must be " no compromise." A compromise might, of course, be a new and more deadly danger to the loyalists, as if the pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty men wanted to make good their losses they would no doubt combine against the unhappy loyalists. We sin-
• cerely hope that Mr. Collins will succeed. But even if- he does there may be even worse times to go through before better ones are reached. During the War Ireland was a rich country. She had fewer causes of complaint than any country in Europe. Now property is being destroyed on all sides. Ireland is being laid waste. If Mr. Griffith and Mr. Collins establish thete Government, therefore, they will have to build up a new land. They will have to make good the damage ; to create a police force ; to create a judiciary, and to organize efficient staffs of Civil Servants, none of which things exists at present. It is a task that might daunt the most experienced statesmen in the world, and Mr. Griffith and Mr. Collins, though they may have good will, of course have not experience.
