New-York tribune., 1920-01-13
Sim FeinPlan
Clean Sweep in
Municipal Poll
Proportional Representation
System Will Have First
Test in l26 Elections
in Ireland on Thursday
By Frank A. Gett,
NeW York Trtb4,.e
Special Cable Service

Special Cable Service
Copyright. 1920. New York Tribune Ine)
DUBLIN, Jan. ia true test Of
lreland's political situation will be af-
forded Thursday. when 1876 municipal
elections take place throughout the
country. For the first time Irish munic-
ipalities will elect officials under the
proportional representation system
what is known in Ulster as the Glare
system
The result is that for the first time
in history ! Irish municipal affairs, as
distinguished from national political
questions, are receiving attention by
the community at large. Polling is ex-
pected to be the largest ever recorded d.
The results probably will be sig
nlflcant, for proportional representa-
tlon has for its original concept fair
play for the minority. Under the
former system of holding municipal
elections the Sim Fein clement, hold
fliled ali the seats of the different bor-
ough counties and completely domi-
mated the situation. The government.
m introducing proportional Representa-
ton, believed it might result in giving
the anti-Slnn Fein minority in ireland
chance to demonstrates its strength
Action May Be Surprise
Competent judges of the situation
are predicting that Sim Fen under
the new system will sweep the coun~
try. The only places in ireland where
the minority is expected to derive the
theoretical advantage from the system
are two disputed counties in Ulster
Tyrone and Fermanagh, where the
Catholic Sim Fein minorities are ex-
pected TO benefit tremendously by the
rev privilege.
Provided the anticpations Of the
best observers are justified by Thurs
days results. the elections will 90 to
prove Sim Feln-ahd the Nationalist
cment-much stronger than ever adj
mitted
lnasmuch as the elections are being
run primarily az a demonstration for
Americas benefit, the Irish NATIONAL
lists arc anxious TO make an impression
in Ulster, and feel that American sym
pathy with reprc sentative system
will lead to sympathetic consideration
Of the Sim Fcin cause when residents
OF the United States see how over
Whelmingly it sweeps the country.
On the other hand, aside from what
ever influence the elections have upon
American feelings, as regards Ireland,
the outcome may conceivably be menac-
ing. Local authorities who will be
elected will be compelled by law to
raise rates-taxes-f partial main
tenancc of the police and for compen-
sation for outragcs awarded by courts
britain.
Cause for New Clash
Sim IFein candidates, however Who
expect to be victorious have signed
q pledge "to recognize the republic
established by the will and vote Of the
Irish people as the legitimate govern
ment Of Ireland" In other words they
will instantly come in conflict wtn
Dublin Castle, the seat Of British gov
ernment in Ireland. Furthermore, they
will not vote the rates required by
law-British law, that is. The govern
ment's only recourse in 1hls instance
will be TO withhold the amount Of the
rates for the announced purposes from
appropriations for other purposes.
Consequently there may be financial
chaos when the Sim FGiners come into
control of municipal affairs.
The Sim Feiners plan to insist that.
having been elected under the old sys-
tenn and again under the. proportional
representation system, they are really
more representative than the members
of the present Yiousc OF Commons.
As far az the Sim Fem minority in
the North is concerned, It's object is TO
obtain sufficient power in hitherto
tlnionist municipalities to prevent the
protcstants from passing the usual
bills. In Londonderry, for instance,
this may happen, for the Sim FcIners
Joined with the Nationalist and Labor
parties against the Unionists.
In Ulster the contests are develop
ing along strictly sectaran lines But
Labor is growing steadily, and as the
dark horse Of the election may spring
surprises on various communities.
Some strange situations have arisen.
Take for instance. the case Of the
town Of Westport. There are eighteen
vacancies in the Urban District Conn-
ell TO be filled Thursday. Only iour
candidates two Sim Feiners and two
/ ndcpcndents--would stand for election.
According to regulations, the four
should have been declared elected and
! the remaining fourteen selected by lot
from the outgoing members: The out
going members o. the council, however,
number only seven. for eleven nave
Continued on ucnt pa0e
.