The Washington herald., 1922-06-16
Country Controls Own
Destinies for First
Time in Centuries.
PEOPLE TO CHOOSE
NEW PARLIAMENT
Failure to Agree on Army
Control Brings Com
plications.

LONDON. June l5.-The Irish con-
stitution which has just been draft
ed during a series of conferences
between British and Free State Of
fcials will give Ireland control
over her destinies for the first time
in centuries. Arthur Griffith. presi-
dent of the Dali Eireann. who has
been participating In the discus
sions. declared just before his de-
parture for Dublin.
The constitution is that of a free,
democratic state" Griffith said.
Under it Ireland, for the first time
in centuries. secures the power ami
the opportunity to control and de-
velop her own resources and to live
her own national life"
The constitution was drafted in
Anglo-Irish treaty which created
the irish Free State.
Complications Appear.
Complications have appeared in
the Irish situation on the eve of the
election of the new Irish parliament
through the failure of the Free
State and De Valera factions to
agree on Capitalization of the con-
troll Of the army. De Valera and his
supporters demanded that they be
allowed to name a minister of de-
fense, who would control both the
Free State and the insurgent armies.
The Free State leaders refused to
. agree to this proposal, and the in
surgent forces, as a result, are re-
naming under the command of Gen.
Rory O'Connor. The election Is TO
be held tomorrow.
A hgh. between the Free State
and De Valera factions is expected
when the Free State provisional
parliament. which meets July /
taxes up the question Of ratifca-
ton The treaty will likely come
up for approval in the British par
Lament at the autumn session.
1t is rot expected that De Va
lera and his followers will approve
the new constitution or even sit in
the provisional parliapent. whose
members must declare acceptance
OF the AnElo-Irish treaty.
The constitution accepts dominion
status for Ireland. provides an oath
of allegiance identical with that in
the treaty. accepts the principle Of
judicial appeal 10 the British PRIV
council. and agrees to permit the
King to veto legislation through
the governor general.
No mention is made of Ireland!
control of her own foreign affairs
a point which the British represent.
ativeE rejected during the recent
conferences. As in the case of the
other dominions. Ireland is not com.
PEELED to participate actively in any
war unless actually invaded
The constitution provides that
Irish shall be the national Ian.
KuaCe. but English will be equally
recognized as official"
Religious freedom is guaranteed
legislative machinery is provided
for. and is to consist OF first. the
King; second. a chamber of depu-
ties: third. a senate.
Universal Suffrage Granted.
Universal suffrage for all over 81
years is granted. but members OF
the senate must be at least IS years
old. a provision which will bar
Michael Collins. head OF the pro-
visional government and others in
Guiding most army leaders IRON
membership in the upper body. The
senate term is for twelve years
The senate is to be COMPOSED of
citizens" the text reads. who have
done honor n the nation by reason
"f useful public service or who
because NJ special qualifications OF
attainments, represent important
aspects NJ the national life"
Election by Popular Vote.
Senators are to he elected by
popular vote after the senate and
the chamber have selected a list
81 candidates, three times the num-
Der to be elected
The governor general. acting for
the King. may veto legislation. He
also appoints the executive coun-
.illors. nominal function since the
councillors will constitute the Irish
cabinet
The Irish Parliament can raise
and maintain an army in accord
ance with the treaty. The initfa- =
tive and referendum are provided
a. popular safeguards on Iegisla-
tion.