New-York tribune., 1922-03-07
hevolting RepubIicansCet
Army Units From Cork
as Free State Officials
Move to Reclaim City
British Prevent
Barracks Seizure
Obstetrics Quit Debate on
Treaty When House Puts
Closure Rule in Effect
From Tho Tribune's European Burco,.

from THO Tr56unc's European Bnrcrtt
Copyright. 1922, New York Tribune Inc.)
LONDON, March 6.--An armed clash
between the republican and Free State
forces is threatened any moment in
Limerick as result Of the seizure OF
lhe town by the republicans in defiance
OF the orders of the provisional gov
eminent. Reinforced by additional
units from Cork and Tippcrary, the
400 republicans who yesterday COM
mandeercd the principal hotels to-day
control the whole town.
This morning the rcnforcements
marched in and took possession of a
vacant wing of the hospital for mental
diseases. arrcsting Quartermaster Hur-
ley. who was drilling men in prcpara-
ton to taking over the city barracks
in the name Of the Irish Free State.
From headquarters established at one
Of the hotels the republicans issued a
statement declaring that they were up
holding a proclamation recently made
by the army commander for Limerick
repudiating the authority OF the Free
State Minister of Defense. The re-
pubicans had intended to seize the po-
lice barracks, but the intervention Of
the British forces which had recently
evacuated the barracks foiled this
movement. When it was learned tina,
the republicans intended to seize the
barracks the British stood to arms in
defense of the building and sent out
armored patrols. with the result that
the republicans made no hostile
demonstration.
Action Worries Dublin
According to news from Dublin the
gravcst view is taken Of this act of
open insubordination against the pro-
visional government. When three
weeks ago the commander at Limerick
issued a proclamation denouncing the
treaty the battalion officers rcpudiated d
him aud the Irish republican army
headquarters took measures to dis
ciplnc him. The brigadicr was re-
moved from his command and The
forces were placed under the jurisdic-
tion Of the western brigade. This was
in charge of pro-treaty man.
The situation at Limerick is now the
same rs in South Tippcrary, where the
anti-treaty Republicans had taken full
control. But the seizure of Limerick
city's historical and present CONNER
ciaI Importance. Besides. it is the
center OF network of railroads. The
provisional government cannot afford
to see its authority set aside there in
this manner, as it would involve a
fatal loss Of prestige.
Captain Slattery has been appointed
to take charge of the Limerick stua-
tion for the provisional government
and it is hoped that his arrival there
will tend to relieve the tension. He
is battle SCARED warrior of many
an uprising, and always has had the
Churchill Reassurcs House
Questioned in the House Of Com
mons this evening, Winston Churchill
Colonial Secretary, said he understood
that the provisional government wa:
taking the necessary steps to deal with
the situation in Limerick and Tip
perary. While admitting that the Brit
ish government was still responsible
for order in Ireland, he thought it best
to give the provisional government 8
free hand
When the Commons later took up the
treaty bill an ali-night session was
promised. but this was cut short wher
the Obstetrics rose and left the House
in a body. Captain Charles Craig
brother of the Ulster Premier, said il
was useless to remain since Churchill
had turned down oil the Ulster amend
mcnts He added that when the Slnr
Fein proposed amendments to the bil
the government instantly responded
The bill, the Ulster men threatened
would be discussed elsewhere. Thel
then filed out.
LIMERICK, March BY The Asso
ciated Press) Ten armed men of the
mid Limerick brigade of the Irish re
publican army entered the liaison of
fee tonight and arrested Captain
'shaughnessy, the liaison officer.
Havergar Hall was commandeereo
by additional republican army units
which arrived in the city from outside
districts.
f,-r;ou notla Hnnoc