The debate had been ongoing in the Dáil over the peace treaty that had been negotiated and already now approved by the British Parliament. Irish President Éamon de Valera had taken a hands off approach during those negotiations, but now was opposing ratification of the treaty, hoping instead for full separation with no oath.
On this day, perhaps sensing that the debate was swinging against him, he declared that he "could not carry on until I know if I have the support of this Dáil ... I appeal to this House to re-elect me, give me a vote of confidence so that I can stand on the rock of an independent Irish republic. If you want this treaty you can elect someone else".
The Wyoming State Tribune was correct, Ireland was teetering on the brink of civil war, and over an issue that would have been incomprehensible as recently as 1914. It frankly made no sense, except in the heated atmosphere of post World War One Irish politics.
De Valera's proclamation suggested that he'd accept the results of the vote, however, and that he'd not lead his supporters personally into a civil war.
The Wyoming State Tribune ran a full page for an advertisement about another island nation, Japan.
Or, more precisely, it ran an advertisement for The Literary Digest's upcoming issue on Japan.
Japan had been a looming issue for American foreign policy for at least a couple of decades, but by the early 1920s its modern navy, prior defeat of Russia in the Russo Japanese War, and its role as an Allied power, albeit a highly self-interested Allied power in the Great War was causing increasing concern.
Revenuers raided Oshkosh, Wisconsin:
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