Pueblo chieftain., 1921-12-23

V lines of those favoring or opposing
Nobody tonight believes of course
that If a vote had been taken on the
treaty Itself. the majority would have
been SO great, but there is no doubt
in the minds OF observers that this
vote roughly appro inmates the senti-
ments for and against the treaty.
This is denied by some treaty OPP
ponents, who assert that it. was. not
fair test. as many deputies dis
liked the idea of the debate con-
tinuns thru Christmas. In fact
on ponent of 'ts1 the treaty. seconded Mr..
Collins proposal. apparently having
In mind. as indicated by her satirica1
secondng speech, ;he possibility OF
the debate continuing thru Christmas
day and night.
Collins Seeks Quick Decision.
Mr.. Collins showed eagerness to
rush his motion thru to quick de-
cision. He checked Mr. Milroy who
interrupted the vote to have the oues-
ton cleared up as to whether deputies
Representing two constituencies should
have two votes. Mr.. Collins declar
fate of Ireland decided on a techni-
cality. When it became apparent
that there was to be party line upon
the vote the atmosphere became tense
with expectation. Dc Nalera's face
was stern and grim when the figures
were announced Considerable Ella
tion was shown by Collins and his
adherents. Desmond Fitzgerald, min
lister of propa Esnda. who supports the
treaty said tonight he believed that
not more. than ten opponents OF tho
treaty voted for adjournment
Pearce Beasley. an active Sim
Feiner. who intended to speak today
for ratification. informed The Asso-
ciated Press correspondent shortly
before the vote was taken that he
could not make guess on the out
come OF the treaty vote but believed
that the fate of ireland Is trembling
in the balance"
De Valera In Opposition.
Mr. Collins proposal had been
suggested by him some days ago
and at that time was turned down
by Eamonn De Valera and Arthur
Griffith. II had in the meantime
become evident that the proceedings
were not nearing an end: more than
20 additional speakers had indicated
their intention to talk in the assembly
and the tendency of all speeches was
to increase in length.
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
decision this week.
John NacTntee, a treaty opponent.
followed De Valera, giving IS one
of his reasons for advocating con-
tuuous sittinss. his belief that II the
Dali rejected the treaty the country
would follow the Dali. He concluded
by moving continuous and prolonged
sittinEs until a decision was reached.
rr-t. =. H.. - . ~ oAt,
for this course afforded the first test
OF the relative strength Of the op-
ponents and supporters OF the treaty.
II was soon seen that this procedure
raised an important technical point.
for there are five members who rep
resent two constituencies each Four
Of these members. Griffith. Collins,
Mlrov and MacNeill support tbs
treaty. while the fifth. Mr.. De Valera,
opposes the treaty.
De Na!crs's supporters argued that
only ono vote each should be allow
Cd and the debate was becoming very
acrimonious when Mr.. Collins waived
any claim TO Two votes. Tho deputy
speaker gave a ruling allowing only
one.
Net Result OF Vote.
The not result, of the vote is two
fold. The country VIII have an op-
portunity or influencing the various
representatives between now and Jan
uary : and such portions OF the coun-
try as are doubtful may. it IL ex-
pected by some, be Influenced In ia
yor of the treaty by tho impression
that the figures represent vote in
It's favor
When tho question was put II was
Immediately seen that Mr.. DC Valera
ErslSins Childers. Austin stack
Charles Burgess end their active
sunporte,s all desired to keep the Dali
sitting, while Arthur Griffith. Michael
Collins, Eamon =. DuEsan. rrof. John
MacNeill and advocates of the treaty
were equally anxious to afford an or-
portunity to ali members for
breathing space Of intercourse with
their constituents. who, as admitted
thruout the debates largely support
the treaty,
The division followed almost. but
not quite strict party lines for there
were some members who looked so1o-
ly to the question of convenience.
When tho final decision is actually
taken tho members may be much
closer than the adjournment figures
indicate. l..