EXIT DE VALERA.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 January 1922, Page 5

EXIT DE VALERA.

RE-ELECTION REJECTED. NEW IRISH RULERS. BLOW TO REPUBLIC. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Jan. 9. Mr. De Valera and his Cabinet have resigned. The re-election of Mr. De Valera wat rejected by 60 votes to 58. The Dail Eireann met to-day under very quiet conditions.

Mr. De Valera, in tendering his resignation, said Saturday’s vote had subverted the republic and the independence of Ireland. He could no longer continue unless he had the confidence of the Dail Eireann.

Mr. Collins said no one wanted «o oppos? Mr De Valera. He suggested the formation of a committee to safeguard the public safety and take over Ireland from the English, who were going out of the country. Mr. De Valera replied that he woum act have divided authority.

Mr. Griffith said that the Dail Eireann, representing Ireland, had approved the treaty. Mrs. Clarke proposed the re-election of Mr. De Valera lo the presidency. Mr. Mellows seconded.

Mr. Collins said that if they elected Mr. De Valera it would make them a laughing stock. Mr. De-Valera declares he must take every step to prevent the subversion of the Republic until the people have been consulted, and the Government of the Republic must carry on in the interim. They would not actively oppose those prepared to carry the treaty into operation. Plenipotentiaries could take what steps were necessary, but the Dail would control the resources.

Mr. Cosgrave said this was an attempt by a minority to erect a president of the Cabinet and control the Government.

Mr. De Valera denied this, saying he did not want re-election.

Mr. Milroy said the proposition aimed at nullifying Saturday's decision. It was for those who were defeated to re-sign.—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn. FEATURES OF THE DEBATE. POPULARITY OF DE VALERA. REMARKABLE RECEPTION. Received Jan. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 10. Monday’s meeting of the Dail Eireann was devoted to yet another effort by Mr. De Valera to upset the treaty. There is no sign of his carrying out his threat to retire into private life, but nevertheless Mr. De Valera’s attitude of mind is most obscure. He has made numerous speeches, in which he explained that he did not want to be re-elected, but if re-elected he would act as though a republic still existed, as Saturday’s vote bound the Government to nothing. •It is evident that Mr. De Valera wants to keep full executive control, including the use of all funds, while Messrs. Griffith, Collins and party are permitted to take over from the British Government. It does not seem to occur to the De Valeraites that the British Government is not likely to assent to such a course. Indeed, the plans of the Churchill committee have already been started in connection with the evacuation of sixty thousand troops.

The division was most exciting. Three members, including Mr. De Valertt, abstained from voting, and two pro-treaty men voted for Mr. De Valera. The majority of the observers thought Mr. De Valera had won, but the figures showed otherwise. A feature of the proceedings is the evident affection of all parties for Mr. De Valera. He took defeat gracefully and sat smiling, while when he rose he spoke calmly and without bitterness, and gave as wide a promise to help Mr. Griffith as could be expected. The division indicates that the Dail Eireann is determined to defeat every effort to nullify the treaty. After the vote rejecting Mr. De Valera’s re-election, Mr. Griffith rose and said: “It is not a vote against Mr. De Valera. I want to say nere and now that there is scarcely a man I ever loved more than him. We want Mr. De Valera ,vith us.”

Mr. De Valera was greeted with shouts of “Up De Valera,” and all the deputies sprang to their feet cheering. Replying to the ovation, Mr. De Valera said- ‘You must regard us as an auxiliary army whose objective is complete independence for Ireland. I hope no one will talk about fratricidal strife. You will want us yet.” The last hours of the debate were highly confused, Messrs. De Valera, Griffith and Collins continually intervening. Mr. Collins moved that Mr. Griffith form a provisional executive, but the discussion turned to the custody of the Dail funds.

Mr. Collins promised that funds should be paid to subscribers if definitely given for helping to form a republic. Finally a motion that Mr. Griffith should form a Government was adjourned till Tuesday, and the Dail rose.

EVACUATION OF TROOPS. BOUNDARIES COMMISSION. Received Jan. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. 9. A departmental committee, under Mr. Winston Churchill’s presidency, met to consider- the evacuation of troops from Ireland; also the amnesty question and the creation of a boundaries eommis-cinn—Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn.

WHAT THE TIMES SAYS. London, Jan. 9. The Times, in an editorial, says it needed only the offer of real independence in Ireland’s own affairs to sweep aside all that was adventitious and impermanent in Sinn Fein. The De Yaleraites, unless we err, do not possess a more solid hold on the policy than Trinh gratitude for past services. Mr. Griffith and Mr. Collins have shown strong straits of statesmanship, but rtatn—nr~ v T requires a degree of public appreH at ion to which Ireland may Mi yet be able to attain. We trust she will rallv to her new governors, far if Ireland is truly to enjoy liberties, fche will to sacrifice must be sustamed even in the hour of triumph. Rhe i* about to attempt an expertmeat in political architecture, which, if successful, may enrich civilisation. If onlv this country understands that she is entitled to the spirit as well as the letter of liberties there need be title fear for future relationship of the.e islands. There_ will be mieand misunderstandings. Lot entghtenel justice is the only key. Service,