New-York tribune., 1922-12-18
English Lower Flag in
Ireland for First Time
in Centuries and Free
State Tricolor Goes Up
Authority Changes
Without Disorder
Public Men Not In Parlia-
ment Urge Peace; Christ
mas Truce Talk Spreads
Tro-, TAs Tr4Sv-Ss E1roess- Bsrsaa


Copyright. 1s37. Hsw York Tribune Ino.
DUBLIN, Dec. i7.-Riehard Muleshy,
Minister Of Defense Of the Irish Free
State. and his staff took over sue
esssively eighteen posts from the Brit
ish forces to-day, and tonight, save
for a few details that remain to pick
up stragglers, there are no British
soldiers left In Ireland. The British
headeuarters In Parkgste Street and
the residence Of the British commander
IN chief at the Royal Hospital we're
among the centers surrendered, and
the British evacuation. begun early
last week. Is now complete.
While, back Of this change in au-
thority, there Is no cessation in the
military activities going on between
the Free State and its republican
opponents public men unconneetsd
with the Irish Parliament are continu-
ing to urge peace between the two
factions. Between the clash Of sp-
parsntly irreeoneilsble class views
there Is q great mass Of moderate
opinion pressing strongly for Christ
mss truce IN Ireland. The negotiators
actually engaged in trying 70 bring
this about are keeping silent, but The
Tribune Is informed that some prog
ress IS being made toward an under
standing.
Utmost Fhsndliness shown
The transfer Of troops was made
With the utmost friendliness on both
sides and everywhere eourtesies were
exchanged between the departing sol
diers and the Irishmen who moved
into their places. At the Royal bar
racks Muleshy sAlutsd the eolors OF
the departing British regiment and the
British salutsd IN return.
General Maeresdy. commander in
chief Of the British forces. nt his
headquarters Al the ROYAL Hospital
waited personally all the resident
pensioners there before leaving, With
A warm word Of parting for each. \
The final oficial act Of the English
men was tho lowering Of the British
eolOr,. the .hrst Of the incoming Irish
men the raising Of the Free state TIL
color IN their stead. 80
There we're 1000 OF the british SOL
dlers Who quit Ireland to-day, ana a.
they marched along the quays Wi,n
colors hying and bands playing tne
scene vas deeply impressive; AZ
along the way crowds we're ga;heIeo
40 see them 20, and not single un,
nieasnnt or uiitoward incident occurred
70 mar the prevailing cordially
In Full War Equipment
General Mulcahy, speaking TO the
Tr1sh national troops, who we're drawn
an IN full war equipment before the
Rovai Barracks, pointed out the sig
nifeance OF the days events after the
trangfer of posts had been made. ne
'sFoy centuries ireland has been held
hv enemies Of the nation" he said.
aTo-dav Irish troops replace the. Brit
ian In these barracks, and the lesson
~ This transformation is emphasized
bv the fact that am addressing you
under these walls In the language Of
the Caei.' 1 A..
soIdiers on the smart appearance they
mado. drawn up there in military
Sornatlon, and dwelt upon the fact
that the free State intended 70 use
the army fot only for military de-
fsnse. but for the work Of building up
the country as well. He urged the
soldiers 20 prepare themselves for that
dime when they would take their places
in the industrial life Of the eitizsnry
Of Ireland.