New-York tribune., 1921-12-23
Treaty Forces Jubilant

DUBLIN, Dec. % (By The Associated
Press) Nobody tonight believes, Of
course, tnat if a vote had been taken
on the treaty itself the majority would
have been SO great as the vote on the
adjournment motion gave its support
ers, but there is no doubt in the minds
of those who have been following 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,
especially the country members, dis
liked the idea of the debate continuing
through Christmas, and voted for ad :
journment in order that they might get
home for the holidays. In fact, Coun-
tess Markievicz, one of the strongest
opponents of the treaty, seconded Col
lins's proposal.
When it became apparent that there
was to be a party lineup on the vote
the atmosphere became tense with ex-
citement. Many of the spectators
failed to understand the significance of
the proceedings, and the greatest be-
wilderment was manifested upon the
announcement of the result of the vote.
De Valera's face was stern and grim
when the figures were announced. Con-
siderable clation was shown by Collins
and his adherents. Desmond Fitzgerald,
Minister of Propaganda, who supports
the treaty, said tonight he believed
that not more than ten opponents of
the treaty voted for adjournment, in
dicating majority for the treaty OF
thirteen.
Professor MacNeill spoke from the
standpoint of an opportunist, he said,
Hrrr $n x1S kx 10
could for ireland in the circumstances.
MacNeill Defends Treaty Oath
Contrast had been urged between the
oath to the Dahl Eireann and the treaty
oath. He contended that the latter
to the King of England, and challenged
anybody to say it did. His contention
vas that the various component parts
Of the commonwealth possessed COM
plete equality, each being a sovereign
state within its own domain, and every
word of the treaty was subject to that
principle, and in that contention Ire
land would be supported by Canada,
South Africa, Australia and New
Zealand. Canada's rights had been de-
ciared to include the right of secession.
Erskine Childers's argument that Ire
land was not in the same position be-
cause of its proximity, he declared, ap-
piled equally to any form of Irish
status, even to an Irish republic. No
ministers ever elected in the future by
the people of Ireland, said Professor
MacNeill, would be described as his
majesty's ministers. The Irish con-
stitution would be drafted by the Irish
people and contain no reference to
any other country. The first article
would contain q provision that the
sovereignty cf Ireland is derived from
the Irish people and holds authority
over all persons and things in ireland.
The British might pass dominions
act and might, if they chose, declare
the annexation of Ireland to the Re-
public of Guatemala the speaker went
Oh, and Mr.. Childers would then no
doubt argue that Irishmen were citi-
zens of Guatemala, but Irishmen did
not care what act the British passed.
The British had passed an act com
pelling Irishmen to join the British
army to attack the Germans at the time
they had 100000 British troops in Ire
land. What happened to that act? How
many men did Lloyd George get by that
act ? he asked.
Too Strong for Temptation
"He failed" said thu speaker. athough
Ireland at the timeHhsas unofpanized
It would be the same with donin-
lon act. The reason why ask you to