LATE MICHAEL COLLINS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1922, Page 3

LATE MICHAEL COLLINS

REPUBLICANS’ NEW PLAN. AUSTBALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, August 25 With the capture of Kinsale and Dunmamvay by the Nationalist forces the Irregulars no longer hold any posts ih Cork. The Free Staters’ seizure of Kinsale was effected by a surprise landing, in open boats, at the western end. Fire was opened when the disembarkation of the Nationalists was noticed, but it was quickly silenced. The Irregulars fled, having destroyed the military quarters. It is understood the Irregulars, whose drooping spirits have revived since the death of Collins, are planning a new dash on the capital. Mr De Valera has dramatically reappeared in Louth, where there is a formidable band (commanded by General Aiken, who recently recaptured Dundalk for the Irregulars), headquartered in the Garlingford Mountains. BODY LIES IN STATE. DUBLIN, Aug. 25. There were pathetic scenes at the lying-in-state of Michael Collins’s body at the City Hall. Enormous crowds gathered outside the building for hours, and a steady stream moved past the open coffin. Many made the sign of the Cross, and kissed the face as they walked past; others prayed audibly, some,giving way to tearß. At' noon the public were excluded, while intimate friends and relatives

viewed the body, including deceased’s brother ’John, who was deeply moved. * He bent down and embraced the body, knelt and prayed, then rose and left the hall. ■ It is now. believed that Collins s death was no mere accident, but was carefully planned; and that when the Rebels failed to kill him by means or a direct onslaught, they lay low until he began to move about. He was then picked out by a sniper. A number of Cork Rebels, liorroistricken at Collins’s end, have thrown down their arms, but the majority are still in ugly mood. Some still gloat over his death. ~ . A new Rebel attack in the North is feared. Dc Valera is reported to have appeared in Dundalk. His presence synchronised with the report of a fresh blow which the Rebels are planning against Dublin. . . Mulcahy backed bv the Provisional Government, proposes to adopt strongs er tactics in dealing with the Rebels guerilla warfare, which the Dail Eireann has been invited to approve when it meets. . . _ It is considered certain that Cos„rove will go to London shortly to confer with the British Ministers. Many telegraph and telephone wires in the County of Dublin have been cut. Errigal House, a handsome mansion, has been destroyed by fire. Government troops carried out an extensive sweep in County Limerick, and drove the Rebels from Glenstal Castle, inflicting casualties and taking many prisoners.

DAY OF MOURNING. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, August 26. The Irish Government lias declared Monday a day of' general mourning. TO CARRY ON. (Received thiß day at 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 27. Air Cosgrove has written to H6P V • Churchill that though overwhelmed with sorrow, the successors j:o Mr Griffiths and Mr Collins are determined to carry on their policy of carrying out the Treaty.

MR, CHURCHILLS MEASURE. LONDON,. August 27. Hon. Churchill on tho 24th telegraphed to Mr Cosgrove—The death of the two signatories, retirement of another and desertion of a fourth in no wise affects the validity or the sanctity of the settlement entered into with the plenipotentaries of the Irish nation. On the contrary, we are sure the Provisional Government and Irish people will feel it all the more sacred a duty.to carry into full effect the act of reconciliation between the two islands. For our part we hold; ourselves hound on the treaty basis and will meet good faith with goodwill.

REPLY BY MR COSGROVE. LONDON, Angus? 27.

Mr C*sgrove replied—President Griffith, and General Collins had selected and’ attracted to the whole-hearted cooperation with them, a. number of colleagues and the government so formed, stood with unswerving consistency to the programme for carrying into the fullest effect in accordance with the declared wish of the Irish people, the treaty signed by our plenipotentiaries and recommended by Mr Griffith and Mr Collins as offering the fairest hopes for our much tried people. Their colleagues have the same policy and though overwhelmed with sorrow, take up the same task with the same determination and confidence.