OATH REFUSED

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 June 1927, Page 7

OATH REFUSED

DE VALERA’S DECISION DEMONSTRATION A FAILURE (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) <By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.) DUBLIN, June 23. President Cosgrave has triumphed in an atmosphere strangely akin to that of other years. The Republican Party’s demonstration to-day is described as having been a rank failure, though the excitement was at fever heat all day in anticipation; of the De Valeraites’ actions. The Government took stern measures. They had hundreds of Civic Guards stationed in the vicinity of the Dail Eireann and also in the adjoining streets, which were closed to traffic. Everybody was closely questioned before admittance to the Dail. The leaders of the opposing forces were assembled, and a Catholic service was conducted by the Archbishop of Dublin, and the vast congregation was thrilled by the spectacle of the political war-wagers kneeling shoulder to shoulder. They were cheered to the echo on emerging. Later in the day Mr De Valera’s supporters arrived in the city from all parts in motors, lorries and waggons, ‘ which they inscribed: “Abolish the Oath!”

A few processions also moved in the streets, carrying banners inscribed: “We will not take the Oath !” The De Valeraites then walked to the Dail Eireann. They produced their credentials, and they were admitted to the lobbies, and they were formally informed that they could not be soated without taking the oath. One by one the De Valeraite members refused to take the oath. They protested noisily that the officials were powerless to exclude them, but every door leading to the Chamber was locked and was strongly guarded. Mr De Valera then led the party to the street, where they boarded waggons and paraded, acknowledging the cheers. Meantime the remainder of those elected assembled at'the Dail Eireann, where Mr Johnson, the Labour PartyLeader, declared that his party proposed to have a division as to whether Air Cosgrave should be re-elected as President. Air Baxter, who is leading the Farmers’ Party, said that they would not oppose an election, but they would support Mr Cosgrave only when they agreed with his policy. Captain William Archei* Redmond, the Leader of the Nationalist Party, said that they were prepared to support any Government, irrespective of party, which maintained law and order. The Assembly thereupon elected Air Cosgrave as President. Air Cosgrave said : “If I accept office it is only on the clearest understanding that I will receive the support needed to > carry out a programme. I have no intention of tampering with the Treaty Constitution. The House cannot remove the obligation to take the oath until it is denounced and altered, and the Treaty must remain. The Government has no intention of endangering the cordial relations existing with Britain for the purpose of saving their faces!” President Cosgrave added: “The Fianna Fail are not kept from the Dail Eireann because of the oath, but because 1 they are sheltering behind subterfuges.”

THE NEW CABINET. LONDON, June 23. President Cosgrave. has announced, his Cabinet at. follow® :— Vice-President, Minister of Justice and Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Kevin- O’Higgins. Minister of Finance, Mr Blythe. Minister of Defence, Mr Desmond. Fitzgerald. Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Gillighan. Minister of Education, Professor O’Sullivan Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Mr P. Hogan. Minister of Fisheries, Mr F. Lynch. Minister of Local Government, General Mulcahy. Minister of Post and Telegraph, Mr J.J. Walsh.