IRISH CONSTITUTION

Evening Star, Issue 18137, 29 November 1922, Page 6

IRISH CONSTITUTION

BEFORE THE COMMONS. SECOND-READING DEBATE. Frees Association—By Telegraph-Copyright. LONDON, November 27. Tho Prime Minister, m moving the second reading of the Free State Constitution Bill, said that everyone desired that tho treaty bo given a chance. Tho Lord Chief Justice and the law officers wore of the opinion that the Constitution was in accordance with the treaty. He recommended tho Bill to the House. Ho did not express fear regarding the result, and hoped that the Constitution in every way would bo successful. Mr Bonar Law said the Free State must work out its own fealvatkm, hut ho hoped it would have the moral suppprt that Great Britain had never had in tho last TOO years, and the two countries might then'enjoy good relations. Britain must not give any excuse to the people of Ireland for thinking that she was not fulfilling her part. Mr Cosgxavo had told him that “ whatever happens, the people of Ireland are determined on peace with Great Bxiain.” Not only neutrals like himself but opponents of the treaty would rejoice as whole-heartedly as the supporters if the treaty were successful. Mr Ramsay Macdonald said that he associated himself entirely with the Prime Minister’s speech, and shared the hope that the treaty would bring good-will and happiness to the spirit of conciliation which past experiments in governing Ireland had failed to produce. Ho hoped that there would never ho any attempt to define in rigid legal form the relationship between tho dominions. He was struck by tho extraordinary number of now democratic experiments that the Irish Government proposed to make. Colonel J. Grotton (U.) asked with whom the treaty was made. There was a largo body in Ireland who did not accept "it as the final settlement of the Irish question. Sir John Simon warmly supported the Bill on behalf of tho Independent Liberals. Ho said there was a real element of confidence and hope in the fact that tho Constitution was drafted by Irishmen.

Mr Ronald M'Neill (Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) repudiated the charge that he had taken office in order to ratify the treaty. Ho had made it perfectly clear months ago Hint while he regarded the policy of the treaty as disastrous and indefensible, ho recognised that the mischief had been done, and consequently Parliament had no choice but to pass it. Captain Craig, voicing Ulster’s opinion, said he regarded the treaty as a most dangerous document. He did not agree with the rosy prophecies made. Mr Saklatvala (Indian _ -extremist) moved the rejection of the Bill, contending that tho treaty was based on coercion and signed under stress. Tho only cure fox Irish wrongs was the genuine right of self-determination. He would be no party to tho treaty, which was a greater mockery than tho Act of Union. Mr New-bold (Communist) seconded tho rejection. Sir J. G. Butcher (U.) contended that tho Bill did not enact tho terms of the treaty, and it ought to be amended. Tho debate was interrupted by Mr J. M. Kenworthy moving tho adjournment. Mr Bonar Law moved the closure. Mr Eenworthv’s motion was rejected by 292 votes to 162. Mr J. M. Hogge (Attorney General), replying to criticisms, said Article 5 created a status hitherto unknown to the British Constitution. In any dominion, whether they went to Australia or Canada for a parallel, they would find that British subjects were sometimes not granted the rights of franchise or tho privileges of citizenship. Mr Bonar Law, replying to a question, said ho agreed that tho Constitution entitled tho Free State to separate representation on tho League of Nations. Tho second reading was carried without a division.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

THE COMMITTEE STAGE. BILL PASSES~UNAMENDED. LONDON, November 28. (Received November 29, at 10 a.m.) The Irish Constitution Bill passed through committee without amendment.— A. and. N.Z. Cable. PRESIDENT’S DEODARATTON. A HOPEFUL VIEW. LONDON. 'November 28. The ‘ Daily Chronicle ’ had an. interview with Mr Cosgrave, who said: “I believe the end of the military problem is in eight. The warfare will gradually collapse. I have a cbanco of being shot down, hut that makes no difference. _ If wo Drought we could establish peace without executions we would do so, but I am afraid there will have to be further executions before the trouble is ended. They have already had their effect. If tho Irregulars Vill offer to surrender their arms now I will persuade the Cabinet to stop the executions.” —A. and N.Z. Cable. GOVERNMENT’S UNENVIABLE TASK. PREPARED EOR~EMERGENCIES. LONDON, November 27. Tho ‘ Daily Chronicle’s ’ Dublin correspondent states that the Southern Government has taken energetic measures for its own protection. Sentries with fixed bayonets are on guard at the doors of tho Government offices. Windows have been covered with bomb-proof netting, and iiarbcd wire has been extensively used to cover the approaches at Die top of the stairs. Inside there is a post with a bullet-resisting shield with holes fox rifles and machine-guns. Ministers who live on the premises work with revolvers handy, knowing they are marked men, and they are prepared to sell their lives dearly. Meantime the untrained men are being withdrawn from tho southern army and sent to Curragh for intensive training. There are now 30,000 men in tho National Army, while the Republicans are estimated at 3,000, but the latter are receiving plenty of arms and ammunition from Germany and the United States. —A. and N.Z. Cable.

MISS M‘SWINE V RELEASED. LONDON, November 27. Miss Mary M'Swincy has been released and taken to hospital in Dublin. Hex sister Annie, when going to see her, collapsed, and was removed to a nursing homo. —A. and N.Z. Cable. [Miss M'Swincy was arrested on November 4. A cable message on the 7th said she had commenced a hunger strike, and subsequent reports indicated that she had kept it up. Her sister started a sympathetic hunger strike outside the gaol.] A REBEL LEADER CAPTURED, LONDON, November 27. Nationalists captured Mr Humphrey Murphy, head on the Republicans in Kerry, and four other leaders. —A, and N.Z. Cable. DE VALERA’S POSITION. THE GOVERNMENT CHALLENGEDLONDON, November 28. (Received November 29, at 10 a.in.) The ‘ Daily Mail's ’ Dublin correspondent says that the public opinion that, the Free Staters are not anxious to capture Do Valera is not supported in. official quarters. The Government's viewpoint, as expressed by a prominent member of the Cabinet, is that there can be no distinction in the treatment between the lowest and the highest. “ Wo are determined,” he said, “to govern and not be governed.” The correspondent adds that De Valera may have been allowed to slip through but to-dqy the situation is dif-

forsntw By puKio pTocfemahion b«> juul announced the reformation of tho Irish Republic, with himsdf as President. This is a direct challenge to the Government, and cannot be ignored.—A. and N.Z. Cable. DiPFioyi/nms op the press. LONDON, November 28. (Received November 29, at- 10 a.m.) The newspapers in Dublin are having & trying time. Tho Government has instituted a censorship, while the rebel® saw forwarding matter with, directions that r it must 'be published.—A. end N.Z. Cable.