APPALLING DRIFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21342, 17 November 1932, Page 11

APPALLING DRIFT

IKISH FREE STATE

GOVERNMENT BLAMED

CENSURE MOTION LOST

ALLEGATIONS DENIED

By Telegrnph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 16, 5.5 p.m.) DUBLIN. Nov. 15 " I introduce this motion in the solemn hour of the nation's misfortune," said Mr. W. T. Cosgrave, Leader of the Opposition, in the Dail, in moving a motion of censure against the Government.

" If tlio Free State is to bo saved from appalling suffering and perhaps irreparable loss, the present Government must go," declared Mr. Cosgrave. " Its neglect of international decency, its obstinate insistence upon unilateral interference with tho treaty, and its blundering incompetence have involved the country in an economic war of attrition and have precluded an honourable settlement with Britain. " The tale is sorrowful and sordid, and it is the duty of every member to insist that the tragedy be ended and the country spared from irreparable damage and disaster. Otherwise, poverty and acute distress are the only prospects for tho people and their children, or perhaps their children's children." Political Passions Aroused Continuing Mr. Cosgrave declared that Mr. do Valera was pursuing a political "will o' the wisp." It was criminal to jettison the advantages that could be obtained from the Ottawa Conference. Meanwhile discontent and unrest were developing the Free State with alarming rapidity. Political passions were aroused to a height, unknown even in Ireland, implacable hatreds had become commonplace, tho fundamental principles of Christianity were in danger of being forgotten and religion itself was menaced by the stealthy progress of class hatred and by social and moral disintegration. Mr. McDermot denounced Mr. de Valera's programme as " bluster and jingoism." Mr. Thomas Derrig, Minister of Education, denied that the country was in the dreadful condition that Mr. Cosgrave represented. The national credit was as high as before and unemployment had not unduly increased. Mr. 0. M. O'Sullivan, ex-Minister of Education, declared that the Government's huge relief schemes were eating up the country's capital. President Denounces Britain Mr. W. Norton, Leader of the Labour Party, announced that the Labour members would support the Government. Mr. de Valera, in replying, said Britain's whole aim was to squeeze the Irish, drive out the Government which the Irish people had deliberately chosen, and restore a Government with which Britain had previously agreed. The President contended that the hardships due to tariffs could not be compared with the hardships due to paying the land annuities. He denied wishing to revive hatred. Mr. Cosgrave's motion was defeated by 75 votes to 70. Mr. de Valera will state his intentions to-morrow regarding the land annuities.