Ended At Last.

Grey River Argus, 18 January 1922, Page 5

Ended At Last.

FALL OF DUBLIN CASTLE. IRISH GOVERNMENT TAKES CHARGE. HISTORIC SCENE WITHIN. CROWDS CHEERING OUTSIDE. The regime of Dublin. Castle, which for many centuries has held a hated sway over Ireland, ended last Monday, when the Irish Government took over the reins of power from the Viceroy, amid popular rejoicing. It is suggested to send “Black and Tans” to Palestine. America is making a move to arrange for collecting the interest on the debts owing to her by Allied countries. [Reuter's Telegrams.] (Received January 17, 1.50 p.m.) LONDON, January 16. The various departments of the Irish Governm'ent at Dublin Castle were to-day (Monday) formally handed over to the Irish Provisional Government by the Viceroy of Ireland, Lord Fitzalan, on behalf of His Majesty the King-in-Privy Council. During the day excited crowds of people numbering thousands, assembled to witness this outward sign of what is termed “The Fall of the Castle.” The crowds beguiled the tedium of waiting for the arrival of the Irish Ministers by watching the mounting of the British Guards for the la. time. Then the crowds burst into frantic cheers when the Ministers drove up in cars and entered Dublin Castle, led by Mr Michael Collins?. There was a historic scene enacted within the Castle when Mr Collins handed Lord Fitzalan a copy of the Irish Treaty, bearing the signatures of himself and his colleagues.

The Viceroy then informed the Irish Government that they were duly installed in the Castle, and he wished them every success. Lord Fitzalan said that he earnestly hoped that the ideal of a happy, free, and prosperous Ireland would be attained under their auspices. BRITISH OFFICIAL VERSION. [A. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received January 17, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 16. The British Publicity Department at Dublin Castle has issued a statement pointing out that in the Council Chamber of the Castle, the Lord Lieutenant received Mr Michael Collins as head of the Irish Provisional Government. Mr Collins handed him a copy of the Treaty. The other members of the Irish Government were then introduced to the Lord Lieutenant, who congratulated Mr Collins and his colleagues. He informed them that they were now duly installed as the Provisional Government of Ireland, and that in conformity with the Treaty, he would forthwith communicate with the British Government all the powers and machinery requisite for the discharge of its duties. The Viceroy then wished them every success in the task which they had undertaken, and expressed an earnest hope that under their auspices, the ideal of a happy, free, and prosperous Ireland be attained. HOME RULE FOR SCOTLAND. CONGRATULATIONS TO IRELAND. LONDON, January 15. The Scottish Home Rule Association, which claims to represent every shade of Scottish political opinion, has issued a manifesto, offering congratulations to the Government of Ireland upon the Irish settlement. The manifesto requests that there be immediately formulated a similar scheme of self-govern-ment for Scotland. KING’S CONGRATULATIONS (Received January 17, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 16. The King has telegraphed to the Viceroy of Ireland as follows: —“I am gratified to hear of the successful establishment of the Provisional Government of Ireland. I am confident that you will do all in your power to help its members to accomplish the tasks lying before them,” , ;i

IRISH DEPARTMENTS TO CARRY ON. LONDON, January 16. The Irish Provisional Government has issued a proclamation, directing the Law Courts and State Departments of Ireland to carry on their functions, pending the constitution of the Free State Parliament. The proclamation prohibits any alteration in the personnel or salaries of the Civil Service, or the destruction of any documents. JOB FOR BLACK AND TANS. LONDON, January 16. It is understood that the British Government is considering the practicability of employing 700 officers and men of the Black and Tans in police duties in Palestine. The idea is attributed to Churchill. WAR DEBTS. AMERICA’S INQUIRY. DEBT COLLECTORS APPOINTED. (Received January 17, 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 16. The Senate has adopted Senator McCormick’s resolution asking the State Department to furnish the Senate with information regarding the expenditure revenues, and deficits of the European States, and also with data regarding the cost of land armaments in comparison with the deficits, and the sums owed to the United States. The Senate Finance Committee have favourably reported on the Foreign Debt Refunding Bill, providing for the collection of $11,000,000,000 loaned to the Allies. The Bill creates a commission of five, to arrange the terms whereby the debt shall be paid. The committee has eliminated certain provisions to which the Treasury objected, namely, for the semiannual collection of interest, and fixing the interest rate at not less than the highest rate paid for the Liberty Bonds. The committee will have power to arrange both matters. The measure provides that the bonds wherein the debt will be convertible shall mature in 1847, when the longest Liberty Loan matures.