OATH REFUSED

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 25 June 1927, Page 5

OATH REFUSED

DE VALERAITES LOCKED OUT. DEMONSTRATION FAILS. AIR. COSGRAVE RE-ELECTED. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. DUBLIN, June 23. Air Cosgrave has .triumphed in an atmosphere strangely akin to that of other years. The Republican demonstration i.s described as a rank failure,, though excitement was at fever heat lill the day in anticipation of the De Valeraites’ actions. The Government took stern measures. Hundreds of civic guards were stationed in the vicinity of the Dail and the adjoining streets were clo.sed to traffic. Everybody was closely questioned before admittance. The bands of the opposing forces were .assembled for a Catholic service conducted by the Archbishop of Dublin. The vast congregation was thrilled by the -spectaue of political war wagers kneeling shoulder to shoulder. They were cheered to the echo on emerging later in the day. De- Valera’s .supporters arrived from all parts in motor lorries and waggons inscribed “Abolish the Oath.” A few processions moved in the streets canying banners saying : “We will not take the oath.” The. De, Valeraites then walked to the Dai:', produced their credentials, were admitted to the lobbies and formally informed that- they could not be seated without taking the oath. One by one thev refused and protested noisily.

The officials were power less to exclude' them, hut every door leading to the Chamber was locked and s-tronigily guarded. De Valera then led his party to the street, where they hoarded waggons and paraded, acknowledging cheers.

Meantime, the remainder of those elected assembled at the- Dail, where Air Johnson (the Labour Leader) declared that he proposed to- have a division whether Air Cosgrave be re-elect-ed. Air Baxter, leader of the Farmers, sail they would not oppose the election. but would support Air Cosgrave only when they agreed with bis policy. Air Redmond, leader of the Nationalists. .said they were prepared to support any Government, irrespective of party, which maintained law and order.

The. Assembly thereupon elected Mr Cosgrave, who said: “If I accept office it is. on 1- on the clearest understanding that I will receive support To carry out my programme. I have no intention of tampering with the Treaty Constitutio.ii. The House cannot remove the obligation to take the Oath until it is denounced and altered, and the treaty must remain. The Government ha® no intention of endangering cordial relations with Britain for the purpose of saving faces.’’ He added: “The Fiannafai' are not kept from the Dail because of the oath, but because they are sheltering subterfuges.”

THE NEAV CABINET

All- Cosgrave has announced his Cabinet a.s follows : Vice-president, Minister of Justice ■lid Internal Affairs. —Mr O’Hiiggins. Minister of Finance.—Mr Blythe. Minister of Defence.-—Mr Desmond Fitzgerald. Minister of Industry and Commerce. —Air AlcGilligrnii.

'Minister of Education.—Professor O’Sullivan.

Minister of Lands and Agriculture.— Air P. Hogan. Minister of Fisheries. —Air F. Lynch. Arimster of Local Government. —General Afulcahv.

Afinistor of Posts and Telegraph.— Mr .1. ./. Walsh.