Cork for the Treaty — Fifty Thousand Citizens Cheer Mr Collins' Speech — Anti—treaty Meeting Eclipsed

The Galway Observer, 18th March, 1922

Introduction

Fifty thousand citizens of Cork on Sunday demonstrated their whole—hearted support of the Treaty in the fervour of their welcome to Mr Michael Collins.

Not since the days of Parnell has the city witnessed a meeting so enthusiastic and so immense as that which cheered to the echo Mr Collins' declarations to the Grand Parade.

In dimensions the gathering was larger than Mr de Valera's recent gathering, and marked by much more spontaneous enthusiasm.

An organised band of armed men endeavoured to terrify the gathering into dispersing by the firing of revolvers, but those who fought the British Terror were not so easily frightened and the meeting was a most notable success.

Amidst scenes of enthusiasm never excelled in the long and great record of Rebel Cork, Mr Michael Collins reached the city the previous evening to address the public meeting.

On the journey down from Dublin, at centres like Thurles, Goold Cross and Mallow, thousands of people assembled on the platforms eager to catch a glimpse of the great popular figure in the life of the nation. All along the route the approach of the train was announced by the bursting of fog signals. Not a single dissenting voice were heard, and throughout the journey the atmosphere showed an earnest desire for the acceptation of the conditions at present available, and the opportunity of giving the nation a chance of instifying its oft—repeated claim of managing its own domestic affairs better than the foreigner.

There were incidents in the route that would deserve elaborate descriptions such as one cannot hope for or expect in the ordinary account of a public meeting. For instance, in the short intervals at railway stations at which the train pulled up one heard the observations from a number of the crowd that somebody was a Republic out—and—out, "But we can't get all we want, and are not these wonderful fellows to have brought us so far!"

Cork Gives Joy Vent

Many who had come to scoff remained to pray. But it was in Cork City itself that the great demonstration of welcome was witnessed. Seldom it ever, it its history did it do such honour to a man or party. On the arrival of the train the cheers were deafening, and a long delay ensued ... willing to assist should be enrolled, the latter paying a subscription of One Shilling per month, and proper unemployed registers prepared. It is proposed that the branches or Parish Committees will deal with all simple local cases that present no great difficulty, and that the larger questions of the disabled and partially disabled members, those incapacitated by reason of imprisonment and interment and also victimised national and local public servants will remain to be dealt with by the National Executive on report from the local Committee properly supported by statements from the responsible I.R.A. Officers and local Medial Officers where such is needed.

The work which the Association has taken in hand is one of great national importance and should be a first charge on the Irish people. All employers having vacancies should immediately consult the nearest Parish Registers and give a preference to those who stood the chance in the gap of danger in the hour of Ireland's national peril.

To meet the cases requiring urgent and immediate attention while employment is being found for those able to undertake it, adequate funds are required apart form the necessity that exists for immediate financial aid being accorded to those members who have been maimed, wounded or otherwise incapacitated while in the service of Ireland.

The Executive Committee there appeal with confidence to the people of Ireland to come to their rescue by placing such sums at their disposal as will enable them to meet the present need of the situation, and by facilitating the finding of employment for its members, help to alleviate the lot of those who were prepared to make the supreme sacrifice that Ireland might live.

Cheques and Money Orders can be made payable to the Rt. Hon. L. O'Neill, Lord Mayor, Mansion House, Dublin.

Signed on Behalf of Executive

Laurence O'Neill, Lord Mayor of Dublin, James V. Lawless, T.C.T.F. O'Braelin, Hon. Treasurer, Charles J. Steinmayer Hon. Secretary Mansion House, Dublin.