Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-06-28
THE IRISH CONSTITUTION.

On paper Ireland hns the draft OF a
to come, but II the Irish Free State
does not flourish II will not bo for lack |
OF a well thought-out fundamental law.
Use has been made OF tho best exist |
ing models. and como Of the provisions
adopted are likely TO attract tho at !
tention of students OF our own Con-
stitution. Aside from tho provision in
article II for an oath OF allegiance to
the crown by members OF Parliament
there ia little In tho draft which might
nst find a place in tho Constitution OF
(hn Independent republic. Executive au-
thority by article so Is vested in the
King. but as In tho case OF Canada
this authority is attenuated into n
symbol OF imperial unity. To aid and
advise the representative of tho crown
there Is provision for cabinet or ex-
ecutive council Of IL, ministers. and
this part OF the working machinery
is notably up-to date and good.
OF tho ~ ministers four are TO rep
resent tho Chamber of Deputies or
lower house OF Parliament. which is to
nominate the President of the council
tho other three being in turn nomin-
lated by him. The other eight, who
must be eligible to the Chamber, but
not members OF II. are to be nominated
by a committee of the Chamber. and
should represent the State rather than
PARTIES. These eight are to head the
executive department and are not
obliged to resign upon n vote of con-
fldence as are the four chosen from the
Chamber, who hold office without port
folio and are alone responsible for ex-
ternal affairs. This arrangement has
an obvious advantage over the prevail
ing system under which the whole cab
met goes out bag and baggage upon
IN vote of confidence. In England such
a division between the inner cabinet
and the heads OF departments grew
tup during the war. though the political
truce prevented the raising Of the
question of resignation. The proposed
Irish Constitution Is calculated to give
Ientire freedom for a change of min.
istries at the will OF the Chamber, with
the minimum of disturbance to tn,
= conduct of affairs.
, In tho powers OF the two branches
OF Parliament and in tho mode of elect
ing their members. the drafted Constl
= tuition Ia no Less ingeniously contrived
. Tho Senate, as in France and Italy
Is in part to be composed of citizens
Il who have done honor to the nation b!
= useful public service or who have spe
, cial qualifications or attachments
Every university IL entitled 10 tw'
Senators and &c others are to b
s elected ct large. eleCtions being he'll
every three years. the elected Senator
holding office FOR u years. To assur
i representation OF important interest
, and institutions in the Senate, Parlia
ment is free 10 arrange the method Q
q nomination and election.
@ The Chamber OF Deputies is mad
}, the predominant body by' Its contrC
over money bills, but legislation ma
u be initiated in either branch. TIL
n usage in regard TO royal assent Is
be the same "a in Canada. ParliaIner
has exclusive right 10 control the raiS
: ing and maintenance of such arme
;. forces as are mentioned IN the treat.
and the Free State is exempted froi
participation of war without the sane
ton Of Parliament except in case {
actual invasion. The powers Of Parlia
ment are real and great, and It
~ given thoroughly Representative
character by the provision for propol
II tional representation. A place, NOR
ot over, is made for tho initiative ar
~ referendum. not only with respect
current legislation but for amendmen
+ TO the Constitution. Full provision
made for freedom OF religion and col
science. for the right of association al
for habeas corpus. The national la
I'd guage is TO be Irish. but English W
70 be equally recognized as the offici
-. language.
III Altogether the Constitution as draf
e, ed seerns TO be as democratic as
II could we'll be made with duo rega
for efficiency and stability in COVER
ment.-Springfield Republican.