15 MARCH 1924, Page 2

General Mulcahy, the Minister of Defence, explained that altogether, 45

officers had resigned or absconded with arms from the Free State Army. The Minister of Industry and Commerce has also resigned, owing to what he describes as "the muddling and mishandling" in connexion with the Army. The long and short of the matter seems to be that there are a certain number of officers who do not want to be deprived of their profession of making a living out of the troubles of the country. The worst sign is that the Government has not been able, after all, to keep a stiff upper lip. On Wednesday President Cosgrave hinted that a settlement had been reached with the rebels. But if the rebels retain their republicanism there is not a settlement but a perilous concession.