FREE STATE POLITICS

Evening Star, Issue 19634, 13 August 1927, Page 4

FREE STATE POLITICS

GOVERNMENT'S FATE SEALED 11ES LG NATION PL! 01! A OLE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, August 11. There is llio greatest interest in today’s meeting; of the Dail. "There is little duubt that the fate of Mr Cosgrave’s Government is sealed ” (says the ‘Daily Telegraph’). " Whether he will resign forthwith or wait for defeat on a no-conlidonrc vote proposed by Air Johnson, is uncertain, but in ail probability Air Cosgravc and bis colleagues will confront the Dail with their resignations.” Air Cosgravo said: "1 am very pleased to seo the Do Va.lcraitcs mining to the Dail. It is the best thing that has happened in the last live years.” Air Johnson stated that it was ii.mv possible to do what hitherto was impossible—break from tho tragic past am) prepare for a happier future. The nation’s need was governmental cooperation among those elements m ibc political life which had nob been active participints in tho recent strife., PEEI’ARING TO TAKE OVEE. A DIFFICULT SITUATION. DUBLIN, August 11. Forty-throe Lianna Fail members presented themselves at Government House and took tho oath. Asonishment is expressed at Do Valera’s action, but it is apparently explained by the fact that, though the oath solemnly swear,” tho Do Valeruites propose to pronounce it an empty formality, conveniently forgetting that any change in tho oath is subject to Britain’s consent. There have been many political conferences in Dublin to-day endeavoring to disentangle tho difficult situation. Air Johnson has made all arrangements for taking over office. If his plans, mature, no Lianna Lai] deputy will be included in the Cabinet, but. it is expected that Captain Eedmond will bo offered a post, and at least one Independent, as with tlie Labor Party in Office, the balance of power will rest with Captain Redmond's party of eight. Tho Farmers’ Party has also been approached, but it is unlikely to join the coalition. Captain Eedmond, commenting on ilm situation, states: ‘‘The aclion of tho Do Valerailes is an immense gain if- constitutionalism There is no great objection, if constitutional methods are employed, in eliminating (he oath. If such a concession were lawfully attained, it would secure the establishment of peace and order in the Free State. I do not believe that ibe auhoritics in Britain would interpose any insurmountable obstacle.” There was a sharp decline in the national Joan on the Dublin Stock Exchange. Tho prospect is that Air Cosgrave’s Government will be defeated by four or five votes. THE DAIL MEETS. VOTE OX TUESDAY. , LONDON, August Id. (Received August 13, at 9.40 a.in.) There was not anything like the interest that might have been expected in Dublin regarding the meeting of 1 lie Dail. With tho exception of a. lull gallery, a small body of police, and a moderate crowd outside Parliament, the atmosphere was normal. Tho De Valcraitcs arrived in tho House in the morning and conferred at length with the Laborites. When the Dail assembled, “ business as usual ” was the keynote of the proceedings. Ministers answering questions. Then Air Johnson asked if the House would have an opportunity of raising the question 'of confidence in the Government. Air Cosgrave. replied : “T understand that a Deputy gave notice of that yesterday. We are certainly willing to take a- vote on Tuesday.” The Dail thereupon adjourned till Tuesdav next.