New-York tribune., 1922-06-07
Independents
To Seek Sixty
Seats in Dali
Overriding Plea Of Collins
and De Valera for Unity
in Election. Opposition
to Sim Fein Opens Fight
Sign of Treaty Support
De Valera One Of Three
Republican Chiefs Who
Are Given Clear Field

Copyright. 1889. N.w York Tribune inc.)
Copyright. 1889. Ns~ York Tribune Inc
LONDON. June Sixty independ-
ent nominees in the Irish general cleo
tions Of June ie appeared on the slate
announced to-day, despite the joint Ap-
vsAl from Michael Collins and Eamon
De Valera yesterday for withdrawal
Of the independents and non-inierfsr-
enee With the Free State Republican
ticket. Coming on the eve OF the
scheduled resumption of peace negotia-
lions in Downing Street tomorrow,
this appearance OF the independent
"a regarded here as the most hopeful
sign from Ireland since Collins and
DC Valera signed their agreement thst
meant virtual reelection of the pres
ent Dali Eireann and the lodging OF
the treaty issue az the polls.
Regardless OF whether the inde-
pendents sre elected. the fact that 20
many are ready 10 20 forward and con
tend with the Sinn Fciners for leader
ship in Ireland ~ regarded a. an ind-
cation tina; moderate opinion is pre-
vailing ard Is no longer willing 20 a.
low Itself 20 be showed under by the
extremists.
Thirty UneOntested Seats
The nominations disclose an unsx-
pected degree o. support FOR Arthur
GriHith. president Of the Dali tireann,
who now is lighting = lone hand 10
save the treaty with England. Collins
who scenes 20 be headed more and
more toward the republican camp. will
be conspicuously absent from Downing
Street tomorrow. He started for
Cork st the same time. tonight that
Griffith and mis- two colleagues started
FOR London.
When the nominations closed to-
night. there were thirty seats uncon-
tested out OF l2s IN the Dali. Analysis
% the others shows that approximately
two-thirds fthe present Dali will be
reelected The remaining third viii
have 70 fight hard 10 beat the inde-
pendents. Several Republicans and one
or two Free Staters stand q good chance
Of being beaten.
The independent opposition is made
Up Of farmer, labor and business can
didates The bulk Of the Laborites
are lined up behind the treaty and all
other independents are solidly in favor
Of II.
Surprise Sprung in Dublin
There was considerable excitement
in Dublin when the nominations we're
made public. One OF the biggest sur
pris.s came AZ the National University
AZ Dublin. where two independent pro
= fts - -
the two antitreaty candidates. who
seek reelection.
De vslers Opposition Quits
The independents In County Clare
Withdrew az the last moment. giving
De Valera and the other three mem
bers seeking reelection a clear track.
But al Of De Nslera's lieutenants face
stiff contests.
The reaction 70 the nominations in
London Official quarters is very Opt
mistic II is know nhere that Griffith
did not approve the peace pact that
Collins signed with De Valera and he
will now be able 10 point 70 the IN
dependent nominations as proof that
the mass Of Irish opinion is behind me
treaty.
The system o. proportional voting
makes poll necessary IN every dis
trict where there is any contest, be-
cause 10 does not take a majority 20
win. In the case OF Csvsn. the three
present members. one OF whom IS Grif-
fifth. arc all challenged by one Labor
independent and he may displace any
one Of the three.
With the exception Of De Valera.
Austin Stack, Finisn Lynch and one
other. all the Free State and republi-
can leaders must contest their seats a.
the polls The election Of Griffith. Col
| lines and other pro-treaty members is
regarded as sure.
The revised draft Of the proposed
/ Free State constitution which Griffith
is bringing 70 London FOR submission
I 70 the British government IS believed
20 be generally IN accord with the
/ Anclo-lrish treaty and 10 meet sub
stantially the objections 70 he first
draft made by the British government.
Chief Points at Issue
The two outstanding points OF df-
ference were whether appeals on mat
ters affecting the Irish constitution
should be referred 20 the Supreme
Courts IN London or Dublin and se-
ceptance OF the oath OF allegiance 10
the crown prescribed for Free State
ministers. The Free Ststers have OBJ
jected 20 reference 10 the Supreme
Court in London because Lord Carson
is member Of that body. Il is
thought that this difficulty will not be
found insupersble.
The question of the oath IL a
tougher nut 20 crack, but in view Of
recent Developments, there is a dis
position in Official circles 20 think that
the government may be prepared 10 let
the question slide for the moment till
the situation has cleared up after the
election. Then the De Valera Collins
pact may be abandoned