South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-01-07
DEVALERAHOLDS
UP RESIGNATION
FOR TREATY VOTE
Dali Should Choose Between
Irish Republicanism and
British Citizenship.
ATTACKS COLLINS ACT
Cites Divided Control of Army
as Reason He Cannot
Garry On.

IL Associated Press
DUBLIN. Jan g. cannon DE
Valera Friday before the Dali FL
Tcann resigned his post as president
OF the Irish Republic.
Later. however. ne was understood
20 say that ne would postpone his de-
cision TO leave office pending a vote
on the peace treaty with Great Bri-
tain II the vote was taken within As
hours. lie coupled his resignation
with the statement that whatever
happened ne would retire 20 prisate
life. but almost in the same breath
h. spoke Of selecting a new cabinet
II ne were reelected chief executive.
From those conflicting assertions
the inference was drawn by those
attending the session of the Dali
Eireann that If the treaty was re-
jected Mr. De Valera would remain
I'm Office and endeavor to negotiate "a
new treaty with the British govern
ment on the basis of his alternative
proposal. but that II the Dali accept
cd the treaty he would definitely re-
tire from puOlic life.
Vote Saturday Evening.
ing az z O'Clock TO meet again Satur-
day for further discussion of the
treaty. Several of the members told
to Associated Press Friday night
that a vote ON the treaty undoubt-
cdIy would be taken before z o'clock
Saturday evening.
Supporters of the treaty continued
TO express confidence that il would
Doe ratified by a small majority. but
the people of Dublin are showing
Ireat anxiety over the outcome.
With the Dali so divided fears are
entertained that acceptance of ms
treaty viii not necessarily solve
lands troubles and fears Were OK
pressed in some quarters Friday
that there is great danger OF inter
ueeine strife.
ar. De Valera threatened to re-
siln during a private session of the
uau Friday morning at which an
eleventh hour attempt was being
AIDE by the peace committee 20 ef-
scct an agreement between the OPP
POSING factions ON the treaty. When
the Dali reconvened fin open session
I'm the afternooE Mr.. De Valera car
ried his threat into effect in the
course Of an eloquent speech. during
which he was moved 70 such depths
Of emotion that tears stood in his
ewes and his voice occasionally was
choked with sobs.
Dali Members Affected.
The members of the Dali appear
ell much affected by what seemed
the farewell of its president. for
whom. whatever their views on the
treaty issue. they have shown dur
Ing debate they entertain the most
profound respect
The announcement of the resigna-
t.ou of AR. De Valera was received
with manifest irritation hy leading
supporters of the peace treaty. who
regarded 10 as n means of side track
ing straight vote ON the issue.
Arthur Griffith and Nichael Collins
both urged the desirability of carry
Ing out the agreement for "a direct
vote on the treaty while Micaael
Coserave pointed out that any con-
sideratIou of Mr. De VaIera's speech
OF resignation must be postponed
until the matter In hand was dis
posed TIE carried the speaker with
him Ia his contention that the presi-
dents resignation which might
equally as wen have been rendered
q month ago. was not at the present
time an urgent matter within the
meaning OF the standing orders OF
the Dali
De Valera Explains stand.
Mr.. De Valera made II plain in his
speech OF resignation that his object
was TO enable the Dali 20 choose be-
tween what he called the represen-
tatives OF two fundamentally oppos-
cd poHcles-Irish republicanism and
British citizenship. He said ne
would not carry ON" without hav-
iuE full confidence i'm his cabinet
some OF the members Of which lad
Givulged Co the press document
that DE had asked should be regard
Continued on page twol