The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-04-12
IRISH THEIR
own WORST
ENEMIES
Conservative Leaders
Clearly See T h a t
Country is Drifting
Headlong Toward
Civil War

London, April 9.-It was rumor-
cd in London and Dublin late last
nighs that the secret meeting OF
the Irish Republican army in Dub
lin yesterday deposed Eamon De
Valera as leader Of the Republi-
cans. says the Daily Mail this
morning.
TIL" newspaper adds that what
actually happened is a mystery.
but says some confirmation Of the
rumor is given by the statement
that DE Valera now has no gov
erning part in the Republican
army
Dublin, April . (Ey The -Asso-
ciated Press).- speech de-
livered at Wexford today Michael
Collins. head of the provisional
government, declared that unless
there. was an Immediate change in
the tone and tactics OF certain Of
the people lit looks as ii civil w:u
can only be averted by miracle.
Nh. Collins added that in such
a contingency there was little
doubt the British would return to
restore the order which the Irish
would have shown themselves uil-
able 10 preserve.
Train holdups and attempts TO
prevent pro-treaty meetings con-
tinued today. 4 Dublin tram on
which Mr.. Collins was supposed to
be travelling TO Wexford, found the
rails had been taken up near
Arlow. Armed men prevented the
repair gang from replacing the
rails. Mr.. Collins had foiled his
opponents by making the trip dur
ing the night.
The place where the rails were
removed was on bridge over the
river .Avoa. After they were even
tually relaid and the train reached
EnniScorthy, armed men who az
rived in an automobile kidnapped
the engine driver so as TO prevent
the train from reaching Wexford.
Thousands Of persons attended
the meeting in--S>1yeXfora. There
were only feeble signs OF opposi-
ton to Mr.. Collins. He declared
that the language OF Eanon De Va
lera had become that OF q danger
Gus despot and De Valera. while
posing as lover OF liberty ana
shouting the name Of liberty. was
,rampling its form mderfoot.
The language OF our oppon-
ents.' declared Mr.. Collins, lis that
of treaSon-not patriotism. Our
existence is threatened as no enc
my from the outside ever has had
III. power. 10 threaten it. and there
is grave danger Of another period
OF long agony before the country.
Unless there is an immediate
change in the tone and tactics Of
certain OF the people il looks as If
civil war cdn only be avoided by
Il miracle. In case OF civil War
the British will return TO restore
the order which the Irish people
have shown themselves unable to
preserve.
Mr.. Collins concluded by again
appealing to De Valera TO pause
and consider where his language.
"which is being translated into ac-
ton. is hurrying the nation.
Dublin, April . (Ey the Asso-
ciated Press THAT section OF The
Irish Republican army which is
opposed 10 the Free State authori-
ties today held in private in Man
sion House the convention adjourn
ed from a fortnight ago.
1t is reported that the draft OF
new constitution for the army ana
resolutions proposing military
dictatorship We're discussed.
About $50 delegates from various
parts OF the country attended The
convention which WAS in session
throughout the day. \ guard OIL
Young men in citizens clothes.
armed with revolvers. lined the ap-
proachcs TO Mansion House.
The following official report OF
the convention was given out this
evening: "M the general conVen-
ZION of the irish Republican arriH
tht number OF delegates exceeded
those attending the convention
March .G. The temporary eNecu-
lives elected 1T that convention
submitted q constitution and dee
l:,ra,ion OF aims, which alter diS-
,.uSSion were unanimously adopt
ed.
The constitution provides GER
tain methods for the selection OF 4
n,.rnanent executive. and this pro-
c,dure took effect upon the adop-
,ion OF the constitution Inc
e.:,cutivr elected al III" previous
convention having resigned q new
body was chosen TO replace II.
Many army matters wer" dealt
with. The proceedings closed ;'' y
O'Clock this evening.
Thu executive council appointed
hy The convention does not admit
that il is subject 10 ANY cNlS'in3
civil authority.
The mayor and other county
councils are reported To be pro
.,..,dins to a revision al The reg
lister of voters for The next rl,'t-
non in accordance With the con-
1cntions of cannon DE Nalcfa-
Cavan. Ireland April Ey the
Associated rreSs) - Arthur Crit