IRISH FACTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 21834, 11 October 1932, Page 7

IRISH FACTIONS

BIOTING BREAKS OUT COSGRAVE SUPPORTERS ATTACKED MR DE VALERA’S PLANS (United Press Assn.-Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.0 p.m.) London, October 10. Wild rioting took place during a meeting of Mr W. T. Cosgrave’s supporters at Kilmallock addressed by General Mulcahy and Professor Mays, an ex-Speaker, A hundred men carrying a banner inscribed “Kilmallock stands for de Valera,” paraded the town and gathered supporters, and when these numbered 300 they rushed the meeting, coming into conflict with members of the White Army. A fight followed, sticks, stones and other weapons being used. Twenty revolver shots were also fired. A dozen local police heroically attempted to separate the combatants. Many on both sides were injured and several were sent to hospital. A number of windows were broken.

The Dublin correspondent of The Times states that Mr Cosgrave’s supporters are consistent advocates of negotiations and are doing nothing to embarrass Mr de Valera. They will maintain silence while a settlement is in prospect; and will not attempt to force overdue by-elections at Cork and Waterford.

Meanwhile, it is expected that if the negotiations are successful Mr de Valera will immediately precipitate a general election, aiming at a free hand to pursue his postponed programme, including the Oath Bill, the abolition of the Senate, the extinction of the Gov-ernor-Generalship, and the declaration of a Republic. Thus the position is curious and unsatisfactory. The failure of negotiations will probably strike a final blow to the Free State’s economic, existence; success, bringing kudos to Mr de Valera, may promote the complete rupture of the Empire and economic doom will only be postponed.