Joseph Connolly to Department of Foreign Affairs (Dublin)

A Chara,
[Matter omitted]
I am working away here trying to get things going and at times feeling very optimistic at others just the reverse. Between ourselves the Irish crowd in politics here if I exclude a handful like McGarrity, Dr Maloney and a few others are poor material with little to them save a lot of big talk, political pull and graft and many of the worse features of American political life. The main body of opinion in so far as I can make out is in favour of the treaty and the main element who compose the minority is made up of those who are at the end of their tether without the Irish Cause to rant over.

I have been very anxious about things at home and irritated at much that has been exchanged in the debate. Frankly I understood that the negotiations when I left presupposed that the Republic in name would not be possible. As it stands now there seems nothing for it but to hope that all the best elements will work to make the country free a living reality and I am wondering if this can be achieved. I feel the difficulties with which you are at present surrounded but I would even yet hope that the co-operation of the best for the reconstruction and new development will be available for you. The press here is on the whole very pro-treaty although rags like the Irish World are disgustingly absurd. Some contributions from a Mr. Haydn Talbot of the New York American have been engaging my attention to-day. Despite recent events I kicked against his suggestions and innuendoes re de Valera having feathered his own nest financially. They are so rotten with graft and jobbery here that they cannot understand disinterested interest or work.

I am sick to death of the life here and the work is the only consolation. I expect I will get back about June for two reasons. The spade work on which I am engaged will be through by that time and again there is practically nothing done during the two months of the heat period. I would hope to be spared the necessity to return and if I am not required in work there of a Departmental nature I could consider a return to commercial life. Frankly I feel I would be of much more service on matters of trade and commerce and economic development than I am here. However that's as may be.

Perhaps you will let me know what you think or if there is anything you can suggest on my work here or any advice you would like to give me.

Meantime I hope that despite all your worries and anxieties you are keeping well, that all at home are so too and that every good will attend your activities for the coming momentous year.