Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-23
DEBATE DELAY
Continued from PAGE Onel


minds of those who have been fol-
lowing the debates carefully, that
this vote roughly approximates the
sentiments for and against the
treaty. This is denied by some Of the
opponents of the treaty, who assert
that It was not fair test, as many
Of the deputies on both sides. spec
tally the country members. disliked
the idea of the debate continuing
through Christmas and voted for
adjournment in order that they
might get home for the holidays.
In fact, Countess Markievicz, one
of. the strongest opponents of the
treaty, seconded Mr.. Collins propos-
al, apparently having in mind. as in
dicated by her satirical seconding
speech. the possibility Of the debate
continuing through Christmas day
and night and overlooking the posi-
bility of a party division on the mo-
ton.
Mr.. Collins showed eagerness to
rush his motion through to quick di-
vision. He summarily checked Mr..
Milroy. who interrupted the taking
Of. the vote to have the question
cleared up as to whether deputies
representing two constituencies
should have two votes, Mr.. Collins
declaring that he would not hear OF
having the fate of Ireland decided on
the question of q technieality.
When it became apparent that
there was to be a party line up on
the vote the atmosphere became tense
with excitement. Many OF the spec
tators failed to understand the signi-
f1cance Of the proceedings, and the
greatest bewilderment was manifest
ed upon the announcement of the re-
suit Of the vote. De Valera's face
was stern and grim when the figures
were announced. Considerable ella
ton was shown by Collins and his
adherents. Desmond Fitzgerald, min
lister of propaganda, who supported
the treaty, said tonight, he believed
that not more than 10 opponents of
the treaty voted for adjournment. in
dicating a majority for the treaty OF
13.
Pierce Beaseley, an active Sim
Feiner, who intended to speak this
afternoon for ratification, informed
the Associated Press correspondents
shortly before the vote was taken
that he could not make a guess on the
outcome of the treaty vote. but be-
lieved that the fate of Ireland is
trembling in the balance"
Mr.. Collins proposal had been sug-
gested by him some DAYS ago and at
that time was turned down by both
cannon De Valera and Arthur Grit
fifth. 1t had in. the meantime become
evident that the proceedings in the
Dali Eireann were not nearing an
end: more than 20 additional speak
ers had indicated their intention to
address the assembly and the ten
dency of all speeches was to increase
in length. This meant. as one speak
err pointed out. the possibility of sit
ting for another fortnight.
Mr.. De Valera again met the pro-
posal of Michael Collins with strong
opposition and suggested sitting far
into the night. with view to short
ening the speeches and reaching a
decision this week. John MacTntee,
an opponent Of the treaty followed
De Valera's lead, giving as one of
his reasons for advocating continu-
Gus sittings his belief that if the Dali
rejected the treaty, the country,
whatever its present opinion. would
follow the Dali. He concluded by
moving continuous and prolonged sit
tings from day to day until deci-
sion was reached.
The frank indication Of the motive
for this course took the motion out
of the range of more procedure and
afforded the first test of the relative
strength of the opponents and sup
porters of the treaty. 1t was soop
seen that this procedure raised an
important technical point, for there
are five members who represent two
constituencies each.
Four of these members. Griffith,
Collins. Milroy and MacNill. happen
ed to support the treaty. while the
fifth, Mr.. De Valera. opposes the
treaty. The real nature of the di-
vision as a test of strength on the
main ISSUE. rather than as mere
procedure motion. was made evident
by the extreme importance attached
to the question whether the members
concerned were entitled to one Or
two votes each.
De Nalera's supporters argued that
only one vote each should be allowed
and the debate, which was becoming
very acrimonious might have lasted
for hours on this subsidiary point
alone, when Mr.. Collins waived any
claim to two votes, and the deputy
speaker gave ruling allowing only
one. This left the way clear for a
straight division and the figures
came upon the press and spectators
and the Dali Eireann with some sur
prise.
The net result is two fold. The
country will have an opportunity of
influencing the various parties be-
tween now and January 5, and such
portions of the country as are
doubtful may. it is expected by some
judges, be influenced in favor of the
treaty by the impression that the
figures represent vote in its favX.
When the question was put. it was
Immediately seen that Mr.. De VAL
era, Erskine Childers. Austin Stack,
Charles Burgess and their active sup
porters all desired to keep the Dali
sitting, while Arthur Griffith. Michael
Collins, canon ]. Duggan, Prof. John
MacNill and the advocates of the
treaty were equally anxious to afford
an opportunity to all members for a