The Washington herald., 1922-01-17
Irish Free State Takes
Over Seat of British
Authority.
VICEROY RECEIVES
IRISH LEADERS
New Government Plans
To Study Canada's
Constitution.

SONAANs SeH. 1Os-ENldAldS oCdA-
abeach Ma Heireann, which is the
Official Irish designation Of the Irish
free state. today formally took pos
session Of Dublin Castle, the seat
and symbol Of the British govern
ment in ireland for more than 700
years. Today every activity of the
government in Ireland derives its
authority from Michael Collins and
seven other Irishmen who, with
him, comprise the provisional gov
ernment.
Six months ago everyone OF these
men were either on the run or in
prison Today they drove through
cheering crowds to Dublin Castle,
which none had ever entered be-
fore except as prisoners, to receive
the surrender of the castle from the
British viceroy. Lord Fitz Alan. phs
ceremony, which was private and
hsld in the royal council room.
lasted about nifty minutes.
Wishes Ireland success.
The Lord Lieutenant received Mr..
Collins. to whom he introduced
his colleagues, and Mr.. COL
lins handed Lord Fitz Alan a
copy of. the treaty signed by all
the members. Lord Fitz Alan then
congratulated the government and
informed them that they were duly
installed as the provisional govern
ment and said he woulud at once
communicate to the British govern
iment the order necessary for orders
in council authorizing the physical
handing over of the powers and
machinery-this to take place at
the earliest moment He wished
them every success in making a
free, happy and prosperous Ire
land.
There was a slight difference In
point of view between the Viceroy's
statement and the statement issued
by the provisional government later
Castle Is Surrendered.
The latter strtement follows:
"Rialtas Sealabeach Ma Heireann
received the surrender of Dublin
Castle at las p. m. today. 1t is now
in the hands of the Irish nation.
For the next few days the func-
tions of the existing departments
Of that institution will be continued
without any prejudice to future
action. The members of the provi-
sionaI government will proceed to
London Immediately to meet a Brit
ish cabinet committee TO arrange
various details for the handing
over"
DugEan O'Higgins is proceeding
to London to arrange the details.
among which are the orders in coun-
ell referred to by the vtceroy. so
the difference Is only in the point
Of view and not In fact.
As Mr.. Collins entered his car to
t.aye the Castle he declared that he
was more optimistic than ever.
There was no representative OF the
Sroyistonal government left in the
Castle, and they probably will not
take up quarters there but may es-
tablish ofices close by from which
they will be in close touch with all
departments.
May study Canadian Laws.
The provisional government is
planninE to send a commission to
Canada 70 study the government
there. and to work up a constitu-
tion along the. lines of the Cana
dian. II Is stated that Sir Robert
BORDEN may be invited to join the
drafting committee for the Irish
constitution.
1t Is not certain yet whether the
first election will take place before
or after the constitution has been
completed. Mr.. Griffith would like
to get the popular Endorsement of
the government as soon as possible,
hut Mr.. De Valera insists on hav-
ing full consultation on the consti-
tuition before the election.
Dublin at last Is showing real en-
thusiasm. The taking over of the
castle was the signal for q great
outpouring of crowds and both the
eminent were cheered heartily on
entering and leaving the castle.
Y Women Jeer Soldiers.
There was one unpleasant incl
dsnt A motor truck loaded with
baggage belonging TO the Black
md Tans left the castle with a big
Union Jack on the hood Of the car
A woman snatched the nag and q
1roup of auxiliaries rushed out OF
the castle to rescue II. There was
some scuffing in which one woman
was slightly hurt. There was also
q good deal of jeering by women in
the crowd at the soldiers and po.
lice who were passing OFT of the
castle.