IRISH RULE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1922, Page 5

IRISH RULE.

NEW PLAN REJECTED. REPUBLICANS OPPOSED. PROGRESS OF POLLING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 18, 5.5 pan. London, June 16. The Dublin correspondent of the Daily News states the Republicans will .eject the constitution in toto, and there is no hope of a peaceful arrangement between the Treatyites and the Republicans. Polling in Ireland is proceeding quietly, and the people are somewhat apathetic. It is believed it favors the panel candidates. A noteworthy feature is the large number of women voters. At Sligo, East Mayo, several agents of independent candidates have been kidnapped, and their whereabouts are unknown. The polling for the f our seats for the Irish National University, for which two independent candidates, besides the panel, two Treatyites and two Republicans, are standing, resulted in the election of two Treatyites, one Republican and one Independent Treatyite. After the votes were counted, Rory O’Connor (the Republican leader) and 12 others raided the premises and carried off the ballot-boxes. A correspondent states it is estimated that 60 per cent, of the electors are voting, plus 10 to 20 per cent, personations.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

NEW CONSTITUTION.

PRESS VIEWS. London, June 16. The Times, in a leader, commenting on the constitution, thinks the situation is still too clouded and obscure for confidence. The difficulties arising out of the power of the extremists and the weakness of Irish public opinion are still most menace g, yet whatever obstacles still exist it is a matter of real importance that Irishmen have placed upon record an instrument which, if faithfully upheld, may prove a practical solution of the age-long problem. The Belfast Newsletter states that the constitution has apparently been improved as a consequence of the conversations at Downing Street, hut all depends on how it ia interpreted in practice and what effort the Free State Government will make to protect protestants from persecution and spoliation. The Northern Whig says the constitution embodies advanced democratic principles, and the latest and most ingenious devices have been adopted to make the people sovereign. The Irish Times regards the constitution as a magnificent charter of liberty. It stretches the principles of domestic government within the Empire to the furthest limit. If the oath is taken sincerely by Parliamentarians the new Leland will stand on the threshold of a splendid career. Freeman’s Journal is cautious, and points out that the constitution is still only a draft. Its appearance has furnished the final argument for the election of the best men.

The Irish Independent considers the provisions in regard to composition and elections to the Senate as elaborate and ingenious, but th. method of election is unwieldy.